Jesse Tam (listed in Progressive Voters Guide)

Other Candidates

Jesse Tam is the managing director for Mega Pacific Investments, a strategic development consulting firm. He is a former parks commissioner for the city of Newcastle, as well as past president and current board director for the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, among other roles.

Tam states that he's running to use his business experience to source well-paying union jobs, negotiate business deals, and lead on climate change. While we agree with Tam's listed priorities, Felleman has been an excellent environmental advocate and scientific mind on the board, and we don't see a strong case for how Tam would bring progressive change to the port.

Aaron Todd is the CEO of Airsafe, a site that indexes information on airline safety and flight information for travelers. A former Boeing safety engineer and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Todd has not presented any policy reasons on why he should replace Felleman's deep expertise on the commission.

Jesse Tam

Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 13:54

King County Ballot Measures

King County Proposition #1

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES for Veterans and Seniors!

Website Facebook
King County Proposition 1 would extend the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. The levy provides funding for public programs in areas such as employment, behavioral health treatment, and housing, and helps connect those resources to seniors, veterans, service members, and military families who need them.

First passed in 2006, the original levy only addressed the needs of our community members who have served in the armed forces; however, in 2017, voters approved an updated levy to include our senior neighbors. In the last five years, the levy has helped reduce veteran homelessness by 40 percent, funded 39 senior centers across King County, built more than 200 units of affordable housing for veterans and their families, and launched a 24-hour, multilingual domestic violence hotline. If approved this year, the levy would ensure continued funding for the essential services it has already been delivering and allow the county to respond to the ongoing effects of the pandemic and economic downturn.

We all benefit when our local government cares for our neighbors. The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy is a crucial part of our shared security net. Vote "Approved" on King County Proposition 1.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

King County Proposition 1 would extend the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. The levy provides funding for public programs in areas such as employment, behavioral health treatment, and housing, and helps connect those resources to seniors, veterans, service members, and military families who need them.

First passed in 2006, the original levy only addressed the needs of our community members who have served in the armed forces; however, in 2017, voters approved an updated levy to include our senior neighbors. In the last five years, the levy has helped reduce veteran homelessness by 40 percent, funded 39 senior centers across King County, built more than 200 units of affordable housing for veterans and their families, and launched a 24-hour, multilingual domestic violence hotline. If approved this year, the levy would ensure continued funding for the essential services it has already been delivering and allow the county to respond to the ongoing effects of the pandemic and economic downturn.

We all benefit when our local government cares for our neighbors. The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy is a crucial part of our shared security net. Vote "Approved" on King County Proposition 1.

King County Proposition 1 would extend the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. The levy provides funding for public programs in areas such as employment, behavioral health treatment, and housing, and helps connect those resources to seniors, veterans, service members, and military families who need them.

First passed in 2006, the original levy only addressed the needs of our community members who have served in the armed forces; however, in 2017, voters approved an updated levy to include our senior neighbors. In the last five years, the levy has helped reduce veteran homelessness by 40 percent, funded 39 senior centers across King County, built more than 200 units of affordable housing for veterans and their families, and launched a 24-hour, multilingual domestic violence hotline. If approved this year, the levy would ensure continued funding for the essential services it has already been delivering and allow the county to respond to the ongoing effects of the pandemic and economic downturn.

We all benefit when our local government cares for our neighbors. The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy is a crucial part of our shared security net. Vote "Approved" on King County Proposition 1.

King County Prop 1 - Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy

King County Proposition 1 would extend the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.

Endorsed By M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, The Stranger, Teamsters 117, South King County Professional Firefighters

Port of Seattle

Port of Seattle, Port Commissioner, Position #5

Fred Felleman

Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter
Incumbent Fred Felleman is an environmental consultant and marine biologist. He is running for re-election to the Seattle Port Commission, Position 5 as the senior member of the commission, having served since 2016. With his science background, Felleman has pledged to continue supporting environmentally friendly reforms at the port.

In his time as commissioner, Felleman has focused on fighting climate change and increasing the port's green energy jobs. He has been a leader on the commission when it comes to protecting orcas, publicly opposing the dangerous Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, and advocating for well-paying jobs. Elected commission president in 2021, he has recently supported more efficient and greener policies at the port to reduce pollution, including adding solar panels to Fishermen's Terminal's net shed and powering new docks so that ships don't have to idle and burn additional fuel.

Felleman often supports social causes as well, including condemning Trump's Muslim ban and government agencies’ response at the airport, as well as welcoming Ukranian refugees, with Washington hosting 16,000 refugees, the third most of any state in the U.S.

Felleman has earned your vote for Port of Seatle, Position #5.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Fred Felleman

Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 13:54

Incumbent Fred Felleman is an environmental consultant and marine biologist. He is running for re-election to the Seattle Port Commission, Position 5 as the senior member of the commission, having served since 2016.

Incumbent Fred Felleman is an environmental consultant and marine biologist. He is running for re-election to the Seattle Port Commission, Position 5 as the senior member of the commission, having served since 2016. With his science background, Felleman has pledged to continue supporting environmentally friendly reforms at the port.

In his time as commissioner, Felleman has focused on fighting climate change and increasing the port's green energy jobs. He has been a leader on the commission when it comes to protecting orcas, publicly opposing the dangerous Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, and advocating for well-paying jobs. Elected commission president in 2021, he has recently supported more efficient and greener policies at the port to reduce pollution, including adding solar panels to Fishermen's Terminal's net shed and powering new docks so that ships don't have to idle and burn additional fuel.

Felleman often supports social causes as well, including condemning Trump's Muslim ban and government agencies’ response at the airport, as well as welcoming Ukranian refugees, with Washington hosting 16,000 refugees, the third most of any state in the U.S.

Felleman has earned your vote for Port of Seatle, Position #5.

Fred Felleman

Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 13:54

Incumbent Fred Felleman is an environmental consultant and marine biologist. He is running for re-election to the Seattle Port Commission, Position 5 as the senior member of the commission, having served since 2016.

Endorsed By: The Stranger, Teamsters Joint Council 28, The Urbanist, UFCW 3000, Washington Bikes, Washington Conservation Action

Other Candidates

Jesse Tam

Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 13:54

City Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.

Auburn City Council

Auburn City Council, Position #5

Robyn Mulenga

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Robyn Mulenga is running for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 5. Before her election to the council, she was the District 2 director of the Auburn School Board for four years. During her time on the school board, Mulenga helped increased funding for two new elementary schools and six replacement schools. She also helped introduce racial equity policies to close the opportunity gap and ensure all students can thrive.

Mulenga’s city council platform is focusing on reducing homelessness and its impacts. During her first term in office, Mulenga voted against an ordinance that would have criminalized homelessness by subjecting people experiencing homelessness to a citation instead of a fine. This would have resulted in people getting up to 90 days in jail rather than the commonsense solutions of mental health services and affordable housing that Auburn needs. By voting to raise revenues through the business and occupation tax (B&O), Mulenga worked to ensure Auburn will have extra resources to tackle these underlying causes of homelessness. Finally, Mulenga sought to lower permit and development fees for lower-income households to improve housing affordability in Auburn.

Mulenga faces two opponents: Adeeb Altallal and Clinton Taylor. Altallal is a real estate agent with a bachelor's degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering. He also holds a position as a utilities engineer in the city of Tukwila. He states he is running for council to advocate for change and to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Altallal’s campaign priorities are prioritizing small businesses downtown instead of residential units, increasing the size of the city’s pool, and funding the construction of a new community center. Altallal’s platform still lacks detail on how he is going to accomplish any of his priorities, or what his solutions would be to any other issues facing Auburn.

Clinton Taylor is the third candidate running for Auburn City Council, Position 5. Taylor is the CEO and founder of Your Money Matters, a financial mentorship program. He is also a board member of the Auburn Public School Foundation. As of early July, Taylor is not running an active campaign. Taylor has no campaign website, raised no funds, and his campaign has no social media presence.

Mulenga is the best choice in this race because of her progressive record in the city council and her public service and experience.

Last updated: 2023-07-10

Robyn Mulenga

Robyn Mulenga is running for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 5. Before her election to the council, she was the District 2 director of the Auburn School Board for four years.

Robyn Mulenga is running for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 5. Before her election to the council, she was the District 2 director of the Auburn School Board for four years. During her time on the school board, Mulenga helped increased funding for two new elementary schools and six replacement schools. She also helped introduce racial equity policies to close the opportunity gap and ensure all students can thrive.

Mulenga’s city council platform is focusing on reducing homelessness and its impacts. During her first term in office, Mulenga voted against an ordinance that would have criminalized homelessness by subjecting people experiencing homelessness to a citation instead of a fine. This would have resulted in people getting up to 90 days in jail rather than the commonsense solutions of mental health services and affordable housing that Auburn needs. By voting to raise revenues through the business and occupation tax (B&O), Mulenga worked to ensure Auburn will have extra resources to tackle these underlying causes of homelessness. Finally, Mulenga sought to lower permit and development fees for lower-income households to improve housing affordability in Auburn.

Mulenga faces two opponents: Adeeb Altallal and Clinton Taylor. Altallal is a real estate agent with a bachelor's degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering. He also holds a position as a utilities engineer in the city of Tukwila. He states he is running for council to advocate for change and to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Altallal’s campaign priorities are prioritizing small businesses downtown instead of residential units, increasing the size of the city’s pool, and funding the construction of a new community center. Altallal’s platform still lacks detail on how he is going to accomplish any of his priorities, or what his solutions would be to any other issues facing Auburn.

Clinton Taylor is the third candidate running for Auburn City Council, Position 5. Taylor is the CEO and founder of Your Money Matters, a financial mentorship program. He is also a board member of the Auburn Public School Foundation. As of early July, Taylor is not running an active campaign. Taylor has no campaign website, raised no funds, and his campaign has no social media presence.

Mulenga is the best choice in this race because of her progressive record in the city council and her public service and experience.

Robyn Mulenga

Robyn Mulenga is running for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 5. Before her election to the council, she was the District 2 director of the Auburn School Board for four years.

Robyn Mulenga is running for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 5. Before her election to the council, she was the District 2 director of the Auburn School Board for four years. During her time on the school board, Mulenga helped increased funding for two new elementary schools and six replacement schools. She also helped introduce racial equity policies to close the opportunity gap and ensure all students can thrive.

Mulenga’s city council platform is focusing on reducing homelessness and its impacts. During her first term in office, Mulenga voted against an ordinance that would have criminalized homelessness by subjecting people experiencing homelessness to a citation instead of a fine. This would have resulted in people getting up to 90 days in jail rather than the commonsense solutions of mental health services and affordable housing that Auburn needs. By voting to raise revenues through the business and occupation tax (B&O), Mulenga worked to ensure Auburn will have extra resources to tackle these underlying causes of homelessness. Finally, Mulenga sought to lower permit and development fees for lower-income households to improve housing affordability in Auburn.

Mulenga faces two opponents: Adeeb Altallal and Clinton Taylor. Altallal is a real estate agent with a bachelor's degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering. He also holds a position as a utilities engineer in the city of Tukwila. He states he is running for council to advocate for change and to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Altallal’s campaign priorities are prioritizing small businesses downtown instead of residential units, increasing the size of the city’s pool, and funding the construction of a new community center. Altallal’s platform still lacks detail on how he is going to accomplish any of his priorities, or what his solutions would be to any other issues facing Auburn.

Clinton Taylor is the third candidate running for Auburn City Council, Position 5. Taylor is the CEO and founder of Your Money Matters, a financial mentorship program. He is also a board member of the Auburn Public School Foundation. As of early July, Taylor is not running an active campaign. Taylor has no campaign website, raised no funds, and his campaign has no social media presence.

Mulenga is the best choice in this race because of her progressive record in the city council and her public service and experience.

Last updated: 2023-07-10

Robyn Mulenga

Facebook
Robyn Mulenga is running for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 5. Before her election to the council, she was the District 2 director of the Auburn School Board for four years. During her time on the school board, Mulenga helped increased funding for two new elementary schools and six replacement schools. She also helped introduce racial equity policies to close the opportunity gap and ensure all students can thrive.

Mulenga’s city council platform is focusing on reducing homelessness and its impacts. During her first term in office, Mulenga voted against an ordinance that would have criminalized homelessness by subjecting people experiencing homelessness to a citation instead of a fine. This would have resulted in people getting up to 90 days in jail rather than the commonsense solutions of mental health services and affordable housing that Auburn needs. By voting to raise revenues through the business and occupation tax (B&O), Mulenga worked to ensure Auburn will have extra resources to tackle these underlying causes of homelessness. Finally, Mulenga sought to lower permit and development fees for lower-income households to improve housing affordability in Auburn.

Mulenga faces two opponents: Adeeb Altallal and Clinton Taylor. Altallal is a real estate agent with a bachelor's degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering. He also holds a position as a utilities engineer in the city of Tukwila. He states he is running for council to advocate for change and to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Altallal’s campaign priorities are prioritizing small businesses downtown instead of residential units, increasing the size of the city’s pool, and funding the construction of a new community center. Altallal’s platform still lacks detail on how he is going to accomplish any of his priorities, or what his solutions would be to any other issues facing Auburn.

Clinton Taylor is the third candidate running for Auburn City Council, Position 5. Taylor is the CEO and founder of Your Money Matters, a financial mentorship program. He is also a board member of the Auburn Public School Foundation. As of early July, Taylor is not running an active campaign. Taylor has no campaign website, raised no funds, and his campaign has no social media presence.

Mulenga is the best choice in this race because of her progressive record in the city council and her public service and experience.

Last updated: 2023-07-10

Auburn City Council, Position #7

Hanan Amer

Website Facebook Instagram
Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 7, seeking to replace retiring Council member Bob Baggett. With a background as a chemist at Boeing, Amer has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service by volunteering at various local organizations such as the food bank, libraries, and Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Amer's involvement also extends to assisting with tax preparation through United Way of King County.

Endorsed by progressive former state senator Mona Das and the 47th Legislative District Democrats, Amer is dedicated to empowering and engaging community members. Her progressive platform centers around key issues such as reducing homelessness, addressing climate change, and tackling the drug epidemic.

Amer advocates for the creation of more affordable housing in Auburn to provide safe and permanent shelter for the over 300 people experiencing homelessness in the area. She also supports increased access to mental health services to meet the needs of the community. In her efforts to combat climate change, Amer emphasizes investing in expanded public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

Taking a comprehensive approach to the drug epidemic, Amer proposes the establishment of a safe injection site, offering a medically supervised environment for individuals struggling with addiction to seek help. Additionally, she aims to increase assistance for those suffering from opioid addiction, aiming to reduce overdose deaths.

Amer faces two opponents in this race: Brian Lott and Ofa Langi. Lott is running on a conservative platform, with a main priority of prioritizing law enforcement and conducting sweeps of homeless encampments - an expensive and harmful policy that doesn't address the root causes of homelessness. We know what keeps us safe: living in communities where people of every color and background have fair wages, great schools, and affordable healthcare. Instead, Lott wants to label everyone without a home a criminal by making homelessness itself a crime, and telling them that they are "no longer welcome in Auburn" if they don't accept services - all without strengthening the social safety net, addressing affordable housing, or any of the long term efforts that are actually needed to prevent or solve the issue.

The third candidate in this race is Ofa Langi, who recently moved to Auburn in 2020 and serves as a pastor at the local Adventist Church. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Langi played a role in organizing COVID testing and food distribution efforts from the church parking lot.

As of early July, Langi's campaign appears to be inactive. He does not have a campaign website, a presence on social media platforms, an official King County voters guide statement, or any reported funds raised.

Hanan Amer brings a progressive vision and a strong record of community service, she is the best choice for Auburn City Council, Position 7.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Hanan Amer

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 7, seeking to replace retiring Council member Bob Baggett.

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 7, seeking to replace retiring Council member Bob Baggett. With a background as a chemist at Boeing, Amer has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service by volunteering at various local organizations such as the food bank, libraries, and Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Amer's involvement also extends to assisting with tax preparation through United Way of King County.

Endorsed by progressive former state senator Mona Das and the 47th Legislative District Democrats, Amer is dedicated to empowering and engaging community members. Her progressive platform centers around key issues such as reducing homelessness, addressing climate change, and tackling the drug epidemic.

Amer advocates for the creation of more affordable housing in Auburn to provide safe and permanent shelter for the over 300 people experiencing homelessness in the area. She also supports increased access to mental health services to meet the needs of the community. In her efforts to combat climate change, Amer emphasizes investing in expanded public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

Taking a comprehensive approach to the drug epidemic, Amer proposes the establishment of a safe injection site, offering a medically supervised environment for individuals struggling with addiction to seek help. Additionally, she aims to increase assistance for those suffering from opioid addiction, aiming to reduce overdose deaths.

Amer faces two opponents in this race: Brian Lott and Ofa Langi. Lott is running on a conservative platform, with a main priority of prioritizing law enforcement and conducting sweeps of homeless encampments - an expensive and harmful policy that doesn't address the root causes of homelessness. We know what keeps us safe: living in communities where people of every color and background have fair wages, great schools, and affordable healthcare. Instead, Lott wants to label everyone without a home a criminal by making homelessness itself a crime, and telling them that they are "no longer welcome in Auburn" if they don't accept services - all without strengthening the social safety net, addressing affordable housing, or any of the long term efforts that are actually needed to prevent or solve the issue.

The third candidate in this race is Ofa Langi, who recently moved to Auburn in 2020 and serves as a pastor at the local Adventist Church. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Langi played a role in organizing COVID testing and food distribution efforts from the church parking lot.

As of early July, Langi's campaign appears to be inactive. He does not have a campaign website, a presence on social media platforms, an official King County voters guide statement, or any reported funds raised.

Hanan Amer brings a progressive vision and a strong record of community service, she is the best choice for Auburn City Council, Position 7.

Hanan Amer

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 7, seeking to replace retiring Council member Bob Baggett.

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Teamsters Joint Council 28, King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 7, seeking to replace retiring Council member Bob Baggett. With a background as a chemist at Boeing, Amer has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service by volunteering at various local organizations such as the food bank, libraries, and Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Amer's involvement also extends to assisting with tax preparation through United Way of King County.

Endorsed by progressive former state senator Mona Das and the 47th Legislative District Democrats, Amer is dedicated to empowering and engaging community members. Her progressive platform centers around key issues such as reducing homelessness, addressing climate change, and tackling the drug epidemic.

Amer advocates for the creation of more affordable housing in Auburn to provide safe and permanent shelter for the over 300 people experiencing homelessness in the area. She also supports increased access to mental health services to meet the needs of the community. In her efforts to combat climate change, Amer emphasizes investing in expanded public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

Taking a comprehensive approach to the drug epidemic, Amer proposes the establishment of a safe injection site, offering a medically supervised environment for individuals struggling with addiction to seek help. Additionally, she aims to increase assistance for those suffering from opioid addiction, aiming to reduce overdose deaths.

Amer faces two opponents in this race: Brian Lott and Ofa Langi. Lott is running on a conservative platform, with a main priority of prioritizing law enforcement and conducting sweeps of homeless encampments - an expensive and harmful policy that doesn't address the root causes of homelessness. We know what keeps us safe: living in communities where people of every color and background have fair wages, great schools, and affordable healthcare. Instead, Lott wants to label everyone without a home a criminal by making homelessness itself a crime, and telling them that they are "no longer welcome in Auburn" if they don't accept services - all without strengthening the social safety net, addressing affordable housing, or any of the long term efforts that are actually needed to prevent or solve the issue.

The third candidate in this race is Ofa Langi, who recently moved to Auburn in 2020 and serves as a pastor at the local Adventist Church. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Langi played a role in organizing COVID testing and food distribution efforts from the church parking lot.

As of early July, Langi's campaign appears to be inactive. He does not have a campaign website, a presence on social media platforms, an official King County voters guide statement, or any reported funds raised.

Hanan Amer brings a progressive vision and a strong record of community service, she is the best choice for Auburn City Council, Position 7.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Hanan Amer

Website Facebook Instagram
Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 7, seeking to replace retiring Council member Bob Baggett. With a background as a chemist at Boeing, Amer has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service by volunteering at various local organizations such as the food bank, libraries, and Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Amer's involvement also extends to assisting with tax preparation through United Way of King County.

Endorsed by progressive former state senator Mona Das and the 47th Legislative District Democrats, Amer is dedicated to empowering and engaging community members. Her progressive platform centers around key issues such as reducing homelessness, addressing climate change, and tackling the drug epidemic.

Amer advocates for the creation of more affordable housing in Auburn to provide safe and permanent shelter for the over 300 people experiencing homelessness in the area. She also supports increased access to mental health services to meet the needs of the community. In her efforts to combat climate change, Amer emphasizes investing in expanded public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

Taking a comprehensive approach to the drug epidemic, Amer proposes the establishment of a safe injection site, offering a medically supervised environment for individuals struggling with addiction to seek help. Additionally, she aims to increase assistance for those suffering from opioid addiction, aiming to reduce overdose deaths.

Amer faces two opponents in this race: Brian Lott and Ofa Langi. Lott is running on a conservative platform, with a main priority of prioritizing law enforcement and conducting sweeps of homeless encampments - an expensive and harmful policy that doesn't address the root causes of homelessness. We know what keeps us safe: living in communities where people of every color and background have fair wages, great schools, and affordable healthcare. Instead, Lott wants to label everyone without a home a criminal by making homelessness itself a crime, and telling them that they are "no longer welcome in Auburn" if they don't accept services - all without strengthening the social safety net, addressing affordable housing, or any of the long term efforts that are actually needed to prevent or solve the issue.

The third candidate in this race is Ofa Langi, who recently moved to Auburn in 2020 and serves as a pastor at the local Adventist Church. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Langi played a role in organizing COVID testing and food distribution efforts from the church parking lot.

As of early July, Langi's campaign appears to be inactive. He does not have a campaign website, a presence on social media platforms, an official King County voters guide statement, or any reported funds raised.

Hanan Amer brings a progressive vision and a strong record of community service, she is the best choice for Auburn City Council, Position 7.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Teamsters Joint Council 28, King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Bothell City Council

Bothell City Council, Position #4

Carston Curd

Website Endorsements Twitter
Carston Curd is a natural resources planner and licensed geologist running to bring a progressive and sustainable vision to Bothell City Council, Position 4. He currently serves on the Sound Transit Community Oversight Panel, as vice chair of the Bothell Planning Commission, and as third vice chair for the 1st Legislative District Democrats. Curd is also a volunteer for a number of grassroots and community initiatives within the Northshore area.

Curd is an advocate for green spaces and educates the community on complex topics that impact the solutions to the lack of affordable homes. As a progressive environmental advocate, his platform priorities include increasing the number of affordable homes, making transit accessible, and building resilience to urban flooding. As a current public servant in Snohomish County, Curd brings valuable experience and has garnered the support of many local Democrats including Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson.

Also running is Ann Aagaard, who brings a long list of accolades as an environmental advocate at the state and federal levels. In the late 1970s, she founded the grassroots environmental organization Save Our Valuable Environment, which worked on zoning and wetland protection measures. Her most notable achievement is the three-decade North Creek Valley wetland restoration project that now serves as a core teaching function at the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College. While we appreciate Aagaard's long record on environmental protection, her platform and policies are thin on the other pressing issues facing Bothell like housing, transit, policing, and homelessness services.

Mark Swanson has stated in local interviews that he's "not actively campaigning," though he made it through the primary election. Though he has no website available with a comprehensive look at his policy proposals, he states that there is no affordable housing crisis in Bothell, despite much evidence to the contrary. Much of his platform seems to be anti-growth, and in a League of Women Voters forum he states that he will curb growth in the city, preventing the building of affordable and family apartments to keep only single family neighborhoods in the area.

Carston Curd will work to fight climate change, improve housing affordability, and expand transit access in Bothell. He is the best choice for Bothell City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-09-08

Carston Curd

Carston Curd is a natural resources planner and licensed geologist running to bring a progressive and sustainable vision to Bothell City Council, Position 4.

Carston Curd is a natural resources planner and licensed geologist running to bring a progressive and sustainable vision to Bothell City Council, Position 4. He currently serves on the Sound Transit Community Oversight Panel, as vice chair of the Bothell Planning Commission, and as third vice chair for the 1st Legislative District Democrats. Curd is also a volunteer for a number of grassroots and community initiatives within the Northshore area.

Curd is an advocate for green spaces and educates the community on complex topics that impact the solutions to the lack of affordable homes. As a progressive environmental advocate, his platform priorities include increasing the number of affordable homes, making transit accessible, and building resilience to urban flooding. As a current public servant in Snohomish County, Curd brings valuable experience and has garnered the support of many local Democrats including Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson.

Also running is Ann Aagaard, who brings a long list of accolades as an environmental advocate at the state and federal levels. In the late 1970s, she founded the grassroots environmental organization Save Our Valuable Environment, which worked on zoning and wetland protection measures. Her most notable achievement is the three-decade North Creek Valley wetland restoration project that now serves as a core teaching function at the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College. While we appreciate Aagaard's long record on environmental protection, her platform and policies are thin on the other pressing issues facing Bothell like housing, transit, policing, and homelessness services.

Mark Swanson has stated in local interviews that he's "not actively campaigning," though he made it through the primary election. Though he has no website available with a comprehensive look at his policy proposals, he states that there is no affordable housing crisis in Bothell, despite much evidence to the contrary. Much of his platform seems to be anti-growth, and in a League of Women Voters forum he states that he will curb growth in the city, preventing the building of affordable and family apartments to keep only single family neighborhoods in the area.

Carston Curd will work to fight climate change, improve housing affordability, and expand transit access in Bothell. He is the best choice for Bothell City Council, Position 4.

Carston Curd

Carston Curd is a natural resources planner and licensed geologist running to bring a progressive and sustainable vision to Bothell City Council, Position 4.

Endorsed By: Washington Conservation Action

Carston Curd is a natural resources planner and licensed geologist running to bring a progressive and sustainable vision to Bothell City Council, Position 4. He currently serves on the Sound Transit Community Oversight Panel, as vice chair of the Bothell Planning Commission, and as third vice chair for the 1st Legislative District Democrats. Curd is also a volunteer for a number of grassroots and community initiatives within the Northshore area.

Curd is an advocate for green spaces and educates the community on complex topics that impact the solutions to the lack of affordable homes. As a progressive environmental advocate, his platform priorities include increasing the number of affordable homes, making transit accessible, and building resilience to urban flooding. As a current public servant in Snohomish County, Curd brings valuable experience and has garnered the support of many local Democrats including Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson.

Also running is Ann Aagaard, who brings a long list of accolades as an environmental advocate at the state and federal levels. In the late 1970s, she founded the grassroots environmental organization Save Our Valuable Environment, which worked on zoning and wetland protection measures. Her most notable achievement is the three-decade North Creek Valley wetland restoration project that now serves as a core teaching function at the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College. While we appreciate Aagaard's long record on environmental protection, her platform and policies are thin on the other pressing issues facing Bothell like housing, transit, policing, and homelessness services.

Mark Swanson has stated in local interviews that he's "not actively campaigning," though he made it through the primary election. Though he has no website available with a comprehensive look at his policy proposals, he states that there is no affordable housing crisis in Bothell, despite much evidence to the contrary. Much of his platform seems to be anti-growth, and in a League of Women Voters forum he states that he will curb growth in the city, preventing the building of affordable and family apartments to keep only single family neighborhoods in the area.

Carston Curd will work to fight climate change, improve housing affordability, and expand transit access in Bothell. He is the best choice for Bothell City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-09-08

Carston Curd

Website Endorsements Twitter
Carston Curd is a natural resources planner and licensed geologist running to bring a progressive and sustainable vision to Bothell City Council, Position 4. He currently serves on the Sound Transit Community Oversight Panel, as vice chair of the Bothell Planning Commission, and as third vice chair for the 1st Legislative District Democrats. Curd is also a volunteer for a number of grassroots and community initiatives within the Northshore area.

Curd is an advocate for green spaces and educates the community on complex topics that impact the solutions to the lack of affordable homes. As a progressive environmental advocate, his platform priorities include increasing the number of affordable homes, making transit accessible, and building resilience to urban flooding. As a current public servant in Snohomish County, Curd brings valuable experience and has garnered the support of many local Democrats including Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson.

Also running is Ann Aagaard, who brings a long list of accolades as an environmental advocate at the state and federal levels. In the late 1970s, she founded the grassroots environmental organization Save Our Valuable Environment, which worked on zoning and wetland protection measures. Her most notable achievement is the three-decade North Creek Valley wetland restoration project that now serves as a core teaching function at the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College. While we appreciate Aagaard's long record on environmental protection, her platform and policies are thin on the other pressing issues facing Bothell like housing, transit, policing, and homelessness services.

Mark Swanson has stated in local interviews that he's "not actively campaigning," though he made it through the primary election. Though he has no website available with a comprehensive look at his policy proposals, he states that there is no affordable housing crisis in Bothell, despite much evidence to the contrary. Much of his platform seems to be anti-growth, and in a League of Women Voters forum he states that he will curb growth in the city, preventing the building of affordable and family apartments to keep only single family neighborhoods in the area.

Carston Curd will work to fight climate change, improve housing affordability, and expand transit access in Bothell. He is the best choice for Bothell City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-09-08

Endorsed By: Washington Conservation Action

Burien City Council

Burien City Council, Position #2

There are two leading progressives in the race for Burien City Council, Position 2: Brittany Williams and Cydney Moore. Read the full recommendations below to find the candidate that best matches your values and priorities for Burien.

Cydney Moore

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Cydney Moore is seeking re-election to Burien City Council, Position 2. Prior to winning her seat in 2020, Moore served as a lead organizer for ACLU Burien People Power and was a board member of the Burien Arts Association.

During her time as a council member, Moore passed a groundbreaking slate of renters' rights protections, upheld pandemic eviction moratoriums and hazard pay, and increased funding for mental health supports, food banks, and rent and utility assistance. She has additionally supported a new public safety model that integrates behavioral health experts alongside police.

Moore has proven to be a vocal proponent of public health and housing for all, even when controversial. She was part of a three-person minority on the council who voted to renew and expand Burien's main affordable housing program.

She has recently been in the spotlight for notifying encampment residents of their right to shelter in a nearby city-owned lot ahead of a sweep by a condominium association. Although she did so as a private citizen, Moore spoke about how the displacement highlights the need for more resources for people experiencing homelessness.

If you are looking for a candidate who will fund the arts, expand our social safety net, and advocate for people struggling to find and keep housing, Moore is a great choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Cydney Moore

Cydney Moore is seeking re-election to Burien City Council, Position 2. Prior to winning her seat in 2020, Moore served as a lead organizer for ACLU Burien People Power and was a board member of the Burien Arts Association.

Cydney Moore is seeking re-election to Burien City Council, Position 2. Prior to winning her seat in 2020, Moore served as a lead organizer for ACLU Burien People Power and was a board member of the Burien Arts Association.

During her time as a council member, Moore passed a groundbreaking slate of renters' rights protections, upheld pandemic eviction moratoriums and hazard pay, and increased funding for mental health supports, food banks, and rent and utility assistance. She has additionally supported a new public safety model that integrates behavioral health experts alongside police.

Moore has proven to be a vocal proponent of public health and housing for all, even when controversial. She was part of a three-person minority on the council who voted to renew and expand Burien's main affordable housing program.

She has recently been in the spotlight for notifying encampment residents of their right to shelter in a nearby city-owned lot ahead of a sweep by a condominium association. Although she did so as a private citizen, Moore spoke about how the displacement highlights the need for more resources for people experiencing homelessness.

If you are looking for a candidate who will fund the arts, expand our social safety net, and advocate for people struggling to find and keep housing, Moore is a great choice.

Cydney Moore

Cydney Moore is seeking re-election to Burien City Council, Position 2. Prior to winning her seat in 2020, Moore served as a lead organizer for ACLU Burien People Power and was a board member of the Burien Arts Association.

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, OneAmerica Votes, SEIU Local 925, King County Democrats, Washington Education Association PAC

Brittany Williams

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Brittany Williams is a third-generation caregiver who is running for Burien City Council, Position 2. She is on the board of SEIU 775, a home care workers' union.

Although Williams has not released a detailed platform as of early July, she has advocated in the past for policies that benefit seniors, people with disabilities, and people with lower incomes. Speaking in support of programs like the Working Families Tax Credit and the American Jobs Plan, Williams cited her experience in an industry dominated by Black and immigrant women, where she and her peers face economic hardship and lack of protection by labor laws.

If you are looking for a candidate who has been involved in labor organizing and has personal experience as a working caregiver, Williams would be a great choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Brittany Williams

Brittany Williams is a third-generation caregiver who is running for Burien City Council, Position 2. She is on the board of SEIU 775, a home care workers' union.

Brittany Williams is a third-generation caregiver who is running for Burien City Council, Position 2. She is on the board of SEIU 775, a home care workers' union.

Although Williams has not released a detailed platform as of early July, she has advocated in the past for policies that benefit seniors, people with disabilities, and people with lower incomes. Speaking in support of programs like the Working Families Tax Credit and the American Jobs Plan, Williams cited her experience in an industry dominated by Black and immigrant women, where she and her peers face economic hardship and lack of protection by labor laws.

If you are looking for a candidate who has been involved in labor organizing and has personal experience as a working caregiver, Williams would be a great choice.

Brittany Williams

Brittany Williams is a third-generation caregiver who is running for Burien City Council, Position 2. She is on the board of SEIU 775, a home care workers' union.

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, SEIU 775, SEIU Local 925

Other Candidates

Linda Akey

There are two other candidates running for Burien City Council, Position 2: Linda Akey and Rut Perez Studer. Akey is the owner of a small business that assists nonprofits and is the current chair of the Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership.

Linda Akey

Burien City Council, Position #4

Patricia Hudson

Website
Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all. She is running to represent working people, advocate for living wages, secure more affordable housing, and invest in public infrastructure. In particular, she wants to add more electric charging stations and bike lanes so that Burien continues to become a greener community. After the recent controversies between the city council and various volunteer boards, Hudson will work to bring people back together and rebuild trust across the community.

Hudson faces two opponents in this race: incumbent Kevin Schilling and Daniel Reed Martin. Schilling has served as a council member since 2020 and as deputy mayor since 2022. Schilling is a third-generation King County resident, and has worked as a legislative aide to the governor and a political director to Congressman Derek Kilmer. During his time on council, Schilling implemented a co-responder model in downtown policing, allowing mental health professionals to accompany first responders when addressing mental health crises. He passed policies that helped working families access broadband and get rebates on utility taxes. He also served on the airport committee, encouraging regulations to minimize environmental and health impacts from air traffic.

Unfortunately, Schilling played a lead role in removing the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. He was visibly angry during the hearing, raising his voice and berating Schaefer in a way that was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the city council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. Schilling's behavior in his official capacity should be a red flag for progressive voters in Burien.

Daniel Reed Martin is highly involved in bettering Burien, and serves on the city’s Human Services Commission, with the Burien Severe Weather Shelter, and on the King County Community Advisory Commission for Law Enforcement Oversight. He identifies as a queer white man and has strong progressive values, campaigning for a housing-first approach, innovative alternatives to our policing model, and community safety based on everyone having their basic needs met.
Hudson is the best choice for new progressive leadership in Burien.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Patricia Hudson

Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all.

Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all. She is running to represent working people, advocate for living wages, secure more affordable housing, and invest in public infrastructure. In particular, she wants to add more electric charging stations and bike lanes so that Burien continues to become a greener community. After the recent controversies between the city council and various volunteer boards, Hudson will work to bring people back together and rebuild trust across the community.

Hudson faces two opponents in this race: incumbent Kevin Schilling and Daniel Reed Martin. Schilling has served as a council member since 2020 and as deputy mayor since 2022. Schilling is a third-generation King County resident, and has worked as a legislative aide to the governor and a political director to Congressman Derek Kilmer. During his time on council, Schilling implemented a co-responder model in downtown policing, allowing mental health professionals to accompany first responders when addressing mental health crises. He passed policies that helped working families access broadband and get rebates on utility taxes. He also served on the airport committee, encouraging regulations to minimize environmental and health impacts from air traffic.

Unfortunately, Schilling played a lead role in removing the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. He was visibly angry during the hearing, raising his voice and berating Schaefer in a way that was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the city council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. Schilling's behavior in his official capacity should be a red flag for progressive voters in Burien.

Daniel Reed Martin is highly involved in bettering Burien, and serves on the city’s Human Services Commission, with the Burien Severe Weather Shelter, and on the King County Community Advisory Commission for Law Enforcement Oversight. He identifies as a queer white man and has strong progressive values, campaigning for a housing-first approach, innovative alternatives to our policing model, and community safety based on everyone having their basic needs met.
Hudson is the best choice for new progressive leadership in Burien.

Patricia Hudson

Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all.

Endorsed By: SEIU 775, King County Democrats

Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all. She is running to represent working people, advocate for living wages, secure more affordable housing, and invest in public infrastructure. In particular, she wants to add more electric charging stations and bike lanes so that Burien continues to become a greener community. After the recent controversies between the city council and various volunteer boards, Hudson will work to bring people back together and rebuild trust across the community.

Hudson faces two opponents in this race: incumbent Kevin Schilling and Daniel Reed Martin. Schilling has served as a council member since 2020 and as deputy mayor since 2022. Schilling is a third-generation King County resident, and has worked as a legislative aide to the governor and a political director to Congressman Derek Kilmer. During his time on council, Schilling implemented a co-responder model in downtown policing, allowing mental health professionals to accompany first responders when addressing mental health crises. He passed policies that helped working families access broadband and get rebates on utility taxes. He also served on the airport committee, encouraging regulations to minimize environmental and health impacts from air traffic.

Unfortunately, Schilling played a lead role in removing the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. He was visibly angry during the hearing, raising his voice and berating Schaefer in a way that was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the city council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. Schilling's behavior in his official capacity should be a red flag for progressive voters in Burien.

Daniel Reed Martin is highly involved in bettering Burien, and serves on the city’s Human Services Commission, with the Burien Severe Weather Shelter, and on the King County Community Advisory Commission for Law Enforcement Oversight. He identifies as a queer white man and has strong progressive values, campaigning for a housing-first approach, innovative alternatives to our policing model, and community safety based on everyone having their basic needs met.

Hudson is the best choice for new progressive leadership in Burien.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Patricia Hudson

Website
Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all. She is running to represent working people, advocate for living wages, secure more affordable housing, and invest in public infrastructure. In particular, she wants to add more electric charging stations and bike lanes so that Burien continues to become a greener community. After the recent controversies between the city council and various volunteer boards, Hudson will work to bring people back together and rebuild trust across the community.

Hudson faces two opponents in this race: incumbent Kevin Schilling and Daniel Reed Martin. Schilling has served as a council member since 2020 and as deputy mayor since 2022. Schilling is a third-generation King County resident, and has worked as a legislative aide to the governor and a political director to Congressman Derek Kilmer. During his time on council, Schilling implemented a co-responder model in downtown policing, allowing mental health professionals to accompany first responders when addressing mental health crises. He passed policies that helped working families access broadband and get rebates on utility taxes. He also served on the airport committee, encouraging regulations to minimize environmental and health impacts from air traffic.

Unfortunately, Schilling played a lead role in removing the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. He was visibly angry during the hearing, raising his voice and berating Schaefer in a way that was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the city council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. Schilling's behavior in his official capacity should be a red flag for progressive voters in Burien.

Daniel Reed Martin is highly involved in bettering Burien, and serves on the city’s Human Services Commission, with the Burien Severe Weather Shelter, and on the King County Community Advisory Commission for Law Enforcement Oversight. He identifies as a queer white man and has strong progressive values, campaigning for a housing-first approach, innovative alternatives to our policing model, and community safety based on everyone having their basic needs met.
Hudson is the best choice for new progressive leadership in Burien.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Endorsed By: SEIU 775, King County Democrats

Issaquah City Council

Issaquah City Council, Position #6

Victoria Hunt

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Victoria Hunt is running for re-election to Issaquah City Council, Position 6. She is a data scientist at Breakthrough Energy, where she leads research efforts on renewable energy and does climate analyses to help cities meet their climate plans. She was elected to the council in 2019 and holds a Ph.D. in ecology.

In office, Hunt has been a champion for environmental protection. During her two years as council president, she helped pass the city's climate action plan. She also advocated for the acquisition and preservation of the 46-acre Bergsma property, which was one of the few remaining unprotected areas in the Issaquah Alps. This conservation effort will enable the development of a trail connecting the Talus development and Tibbetts Valley Park, and facilitate the expansion of Harvey Manning Park.

Hunt has been involved in advocating for ambitious climate action at the state level as well, supporting House Bill 1589 to make the largest energy supplier in Washington transition to clean energy.

Hunt also has a good track record when it comes to affordable housing. She was the only council member to support all the recommendations from the Regional Coalition on Housing (ARCH) that would combat landlords' continued raising of rents in Issaquah. Hunt has also said she would like to study and expand housing options so that people with lower or moderate incomes can find and keep their homes.

Hunt clearly stands out in this race with her knowledge and experience on issues like environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Issaquah. Vote for Victoria Hunt for Issaquah City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Victoria Hunt

Victoria Hunt is running for re-election to Issaquah City Council, Position 6. She is a data scientist at Breakthrough Energy, where she leads research efforts on renewable energy and does climate analyses to help cities meet their climate plans.

Victoria Hunt is running for re-election to Issaquah City Council, Position 6. She is a data scientist at Breakthrough Energy, where she leads research efforts on renewable energy and does climate analyses to help cities meet their climate plans. She was elected to the council in 2019 and holds a Ph.D. in ecology.

In office, Hunt has been a champion for environmental protection. During her two years as council president, she helped pass the city's climate action plan. She also advocated for the acquisition and preservation of the 46-acre Bergsma property, which was one of the few remaining unprotected areas in the Issaquah Alps. This conservation effort will enable the development of a trail connecting the Talus development and Tibbetts Valley Park, and facilitate the expansion of Harvey Manning Park.

Hunt has been involved in advocating for ambitious climate action at the state level as well, supporting House Bill 1589 to make the largest energy supplier in Washington transition to clean energy.

Hunt also has a good track record when it comes to affordable housing. She was the only council member to support all the recommendations from the Regional Coalition on Housing (ARCH) that would combat landlords' continued raising of rents in Issaquah. Hunt has also said she would like to study and expand housing options so that people with lower or moderate incomes can find and keep their homes.

Hunt clearly stands out in this race with her knowledge and experience on issues like environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Issaquah. Vote for Victoria Hunt for Issaquah City Council, Position 6.

Victoria Hunt

Victoria Hunt is running for re-election to Issaquah City Council, Position 6. She is a data scientist at Breakthrough Energy, where she leads research efforts on renewable energy and does climate analyses to help cities meet their climate plans.

Endorsed By: Washington Conservation Action, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Victoria Hunt

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Victoria Hunt is running for re-election to Issaquah City Council, Position 6. She is a data scientist at Breakthrough Energy, where she leads research efforts on renewable energy and does climate analyses to help cities meet their climate plans. She was elected to the council in 2019 and holds a Ph.D. in ecology.

In office, Hunt has been a champion for environmental protection. During her two years as council president, she helped pass the city's climate action plan. She also advocated for the acquisition and preservation of the 46-acre Bergsma property, which was one of the few remaining unprotected areas in the Issaquah Alps. This conservation effort will enable the development of a trail connecting the Talus development and Tibbetts Valley Park, and facilitate the expansion of Harvey Manning Park.

Hunt has been involved in advocating for ambitious climate action at the state level as well, supporting House Bill 1589 to make the largest energy supplier in Washington transition to clean energy.

Hunt also has a good track record when it comes to affordable housing. She was the only council member to support all the recommendations from the Regional Coalition on Housing (ARCH) that would combat landlords' continued raising of rents in Issaquah. Hunt has also said she would like to study and expand housing options so that people with lower or moderate incomes can find and keep their homes.

Hunt clearly stands out in this race with her knowledge and experience on issues like environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Issaquah. Vote for Victoria Hunt for Issaquah City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: Washington Conservation Action, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Other Candidates

There are three other candidates running for Issaquah City Council, Position 6, though none of them have reported fundraising for their campaigns as of early July. Marc "No Fees" Lazzara is a veteran and, based on his LinkedIn, works as an account services specialist with AAA Washington. He has no website and is not running an active campaign.

Dance studio owner Ekaterina "Katia" Zakharoff is a part of the Issaquah Highlands Community Association Board of Directors and Issaquah Highlands Covenant Committee. Her priorities are reducing traffic congestion through robust public transit, building more affordable homes, education, arts, and the environment. Her campaign lacks clear substantive detail on how she will impact Issaquah for the better.

Sam Sheehan is also running for Position 6, but does not have a campaign website or policy proposals available.

Issaquah City Council P6 - Other candidates

Kenmore City Council

Kenmore City Council, Position #5

Jon Culver

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Jon Culver is running for election to Kenmore City Council, Position 5. As a small business owner with a background in civic technology, Culver is driven to create a more connected, engaged, and responsive city council. Culver was part of a group that encouraged the council to install Pride-themed art on city hall property.

Culver's progressive campaign focuses on crucial issues such as addressing climate change, prioritizing affordable housing, and advocating for proactive representation to propel Kenmore forward. He points to his efforts to allow citizen ballot measures in Kenmore as evidence of his commitment to increasing civic engagement and public input. Culver also signed on to a national campaign pledging not to take any campaign contributions of more than $200 from fossil fuel interests.

Culver is the most progressive candidate in the race for Kenmore City Council, Position 5.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Jon Culver

Jon Culver is running for election to Kenmore City Council, Position 5. As a small business owner with a background in civic technology, Culver is driven to create a more connected, engaged, and responsive city council.

Jon Culver is running for election to Kenmore City Council, Position 5. As a small business owner with a background in civic technology, Culver is driven to create a more connected, engaged, and responsive city council. Culver was part of a group that encouraged the council to install Pride-themed art on city hall property.

Culver's progressive campaign focuses on crucial issues such as addressing climate change, prioritizing affordable housing, and advocating for proactive representation to propel Kenmore forward. He points to his efforts to allow citizen ballot measures in Kenmore as evidence of his commitment to increasing civic engagement and public input. Culver also signed on to a national campaign pledging not to take any campaign contributions of more than $200 from fossil fuel interests.

Culver is the most progressive candidate in the race for Kenmore City Council, Position 5.

Jon Culver

Jon Culver is running for election to Kenmore City Council, Position 5. As a small business owner with a background in civic technology, Culver is driven to create a more connected, engaged, and responsive city council.

Endorsed By: Shoreline Firefighters Local 1750, Moms Demand Action - Gun Sense Candidate

Other Candidates

There are two other candidates in this race. David Baker, a local business owner, is running for re-election for Position 5 on the Kenmore City Council. He has served as a council member since 2003, and has also held the position of mayor during his 20-year tenure. Additionally, Baker sits on a number of local and regional committees, most notably the Sound Transit Board.

Baker is known for his support of transportation and transit development. He is recognized for his efforts in organizing and supporting enhancements to the bus rapid transport system along the 522 Route corridor in Kenmore. While Baker supports the idea of housing near transit sites, he has sometimes taken a more cautious approach when it comes to building more housing. It is crucial to build homes across the city, including increasing density, in order to ensure every resident can afford a roof over their head. Baker is a moderate voice on the council with a great deal of institutional knowledge about Kenmore.

Despite his previous run for council in 2013, where he aimed to address traffic congestion and business development, Mark Prince's current campaign for Position 5 lacks specific policies. A manufacturing supervisor and packing engineer, Prince brings limited community experience to the table and does not seem to be running a competitive campaign. His voter's pamphlet statement explicitly opposes increasing density, which is an essential step toward improving housing affordability in Kenmore. Mark Prince is not a progressive choice in this race.

Other Candidates Kenmore City Council P5 David Baker

Kenmore City Council, Position #7

There are two progressive candidates running for Kenmore City Council, Position 7: Nathan Loutsis and incumbent Corina Pfeil. Both of them would bring unique perspectives and experiences to the council. Read the full recommendations below to find the candidate who best matches your values and priorities for Kenmore.

Corina Pfeil

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Corina Pfeil is running for re-election to Kenmore City Council, Position 7. Pfeil was first elected to the council in 2019, and sits on the National League of Cities Human Development Committee and Eastside Pride PNW.

During her time on the council, Pfeil has consistently championed the rights of tenants. Being the sole renter among the council members, Pfeil possesses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by this expanding demographic amidst escalating homeownership costs. In March 2022, Pfeil voted in favor of various regulations aimed at safeguarding tenants' rights.

If re-elected, Pfeil's commitment remains focused on reducing and eliminating disparities affecting the LGBTQ+ community, seniors, and people with disabilities, as well as promoting diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion practices. Pfeil strives to bridge opportunity gaps and ensure equal treatment for all individuals and groups within the community. However, she has only received the endorsement of one of her colleagues, which raises questions about her ability to work together to pass legislation. Pfeil is a good choice for voters looking for an unapologetic progressive voice on the council.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Corina Pfeil

Corina Pfeil is running for re-election to Kenmore City Council, Position 7. Pfeil was first elected to the council in 2019, and sits on the National League of Cities Human Development Committee and Eastside Pride PNW.

Corina Pfeil is running for re-election to Kenmore City Council, Position 7. Pfeil was first elected to the council in 2019, and sits on the National League of Cities Human Development Committee and Eastside Pride PNW.

During her time on the council, Pfeil has consistently championed the rights of tenants. Being the sole renter among the council members, Pfeil possesses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by this expanding demographic amidst escalating homeownership costs. In March 2022, Pfeil voted in favor of various regulations aimed at safeguarding tenants' rights.

If re-elected, Pfeil's commitment remains focused on reducing and eliminating disparities affecting the LGBTQ+ community, seniors, and people with disabilities, as well as promoting diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion practices. Pfeil strives to bridge opportunity gaps and ensure equal treatment for all individuals and groups within the community. However, she has only received the endorsement of one of her colleagues, which raises questions about her ability to work together to pass legislation. Pfeil is a good choice for voters looking for an unapologetic progressive voice on the council.

Corina Pfeil

Corina Pfeil is running for re-election to Kenmore City Council, Position 7. Pfeil was first elected to the council in 2019, and sits on the National League of Cities Human Development Committee and Eastside Pride PNW.

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Shoreline Firefighters Local 1760

Nathan Loutsis

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Nathan Loutsis is challenging incumbent Corina Pfeil for Kenmore City Council, Position 7. He was born and raised in Kenmore and is currently studying political science at the University of Washington. Loutsis made history in 2019 when he became the first high school student to serve on Kenmore's city planning commission.

Loutsis' priorities are improving transit, protecting the environment, and creating a thriving downtown. His vision for Kenmore includes friendlier infrastructure for people walking and biking, revitalized parks and natural spaces, sustainable development, increased density to allow for affordable housing, and protections to keep people in their homes.

Loutsis thinks it is critical that young voices be heard, and believes government should reflect the diverse communities that are affected by the decisions we make. Notably, Loutsis has been endorsed by three of the sitting members of the city council. If you want to see youth representation on Kenmore's city council, Loutsis would be a great choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Nathan Loutsis

Nathan Loutsis is challenging incumbent Corina Pfeil for Kenmore City Council, Position 7. He was born and raised in Kenmore and is currently studying political science at the University of Washington.

Nathan Loutsis is challenging incumbent Corina Pfeil for Kenmore City Council, Position 7. He was born and raised in Kenmore and is currently studying political science at the University of Washington. Loutsis made history in 2019 when he became the first high school student to serve on Kenmore's city planning commission.

Loutsis' priorities are improving transit, protecting the environment, and creating a thriving downtown. His vision for Kenmore includes friendlier infrastructure for people walking and biking, revitalized parks and natural spaces, sustainable development, increased density to allow for affordable housing, and protections to keep people in their homes.

Loutsis thinks it is critical that young voices be heard, and believes government should reflect the diverse communities that are affected by the decisions we make. Notably, Loutsis has been endorsed by three of the sitting members of the city council. If you want to see youth representation on Kenmore's city council, Loutsis would be a great choice.

Nathan Loutsis

Nathan Loutsis is challenging incumbent Corina Pfeil for Kenmore City Council, Position 7. He was born and raised in Kenmore and is currently studying political science at the University of Washington.

Endorsed By: King County Democrats

Other Candidates

Nathan MacDonald is the conservative candidate running for Kenmore City Council, Position 7. If elected, MacDonald would oppose efforts to provide more housing for middle-income residents. He called commonsense updates that allow more affordable options like duplexes and triplexes "radical changes." Given the urgent need to improve housing affordability in Kenmore, ManDonald's positions make it clear he's not a progressive choice in this race.

Nathan MacDonald

Nathan MacDonald is the conservative candidate running for Kenmore City Council, Position 7. If elected, MacDonald would oppose efforts to provide more housing for middle-income residents.

Kent City Council

Kent City Council, Position #3

John Boyd

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John Boyd is running for Kent City Council, Position 3. Boyd is a retired quality assurance inspector for Boeing and a Navy veteran. He has lived in Kent for 27 years with his family.

Boyd's campaign priorities include developing a comprehensive plan to address homelessness that includes wrap-around services, sustainable development, improving public safety, and investing in the community. He highlights his certification in chemical dependency and experience as a volunteer at Therapeutic Health Services as important for addressing some of the root causes of the substance abuse epidemic. Boyd also supports increasing access to mental health services and job training programs.

The other candidates in this race range from moderate to conservative. Boyd as the best choice for Kent City Council, Position 3.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

John Boyd

John Boyd is running for Kent City Council, Position 3. Boyd is a retired quality assurance inspector for Boeing and a Navy veteran. He has lived in Kent for 27 years with his family.

John Boyd is running for Kent City Council, Position 3. Boyd is a retired quality assurance inspector for Boeing and a Navy veteran. He has lived in Kent for 27 years with his family.

Boyd's campaign priorities include developing a comprehensive plan to address homelessness that includes wrap-around services, sustainable development, improving public safety, and investing in the community. He highlights his certification in chemical dependency and experience as a volunteer at Therapeutic Health Services as important for addressing some of the root causes of the substance abuse epidemic. Boyd also supports increasing access to mental health services and job training programs.

The other candidates in this race range from moderate to conservative. Boyd as the best choice for Kent City Council, Position 3.

John Boyd

John Boyd is running for Kent City Council, Position 3. Boyd is a retired quality assurance inspector for Boeing and a Navy veteran. He has lived in Kent for 27 years with his family.

Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28, King County Democrats, Moms Demand Action - Gun Sense Candidate, Boeing Machinists District 751, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Other Candidates

There are four other candidates in the race for Kent City Council, Position 3.

Cody Clark has served as a volunteer firefighter. Though he has a campaign website, he has no information on what policies he would pursue if elected, stating only that he would work towards a brighter future for the community.

Michael Ferguson has no funds raised for his campaign, no website, and no policy details available as of mid July.

Jamie Lee is a member of the board of directors of the Kent Downtown Partnership. Her platform, though including some progressive ideas such as supporting access to treatment, unions for teachers, and promoting conservation, falls short of meeting the challenges faced by Kent. She rejects the comprehensive and sustainable solutions required to address the lack of affordable homes driving homelessness. Lee advocates for cutting social services for the rest of us, like SNAP, that she herself has benefited from. She wants to send militarized police forces into our communities rather than the things our communities actually need - education, health care, food security, and homes. As of mid July, Lee does not have an active campaign website or reported any campaign funds raised.

Kelly Wiggins-Crawford works as a litigation paralegal and claims to prioritize addressing the homeless crisis, protecting affordable housing, and creating a safe community. Despite a self-proclaimed approach of compassion and kindness, Wiggins-Crawford has attempted to make us fear those turning to cars and tents for shelter. She has testified before the city council, advocating for labeling everyone without a home a criminal by making homelessness itself a crime through encampment bans.

Wiggins-Crawford's campaign website lacks a comprehensive plan to effectively tackle homelessness and other significant challenges confronting Kent. This omission points to her inability to address these critical issues and implement tangible solutions.

Cody Clark

There are four other candidates in the race for Kent City Council, Position 3.

Kirkland City Council

Kirkland City Council, Position #2

Kelli Curtis

Website Facebook Endorsements
Incumbent Kelli Curtis is running for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 2, to which she was first elected in 2019. Before joining the council she worked for most of her career in the technology industry as a product manager for area companies such as Aldus and Starwave.

Curtis' campaign platform prioritizes close collaboration with neighbors, implementing sustainable planning strategies, cultivating inclusivity and belonging, building affordable homes, and expanding parks and natural spaces. During her time on the council, Curtis has supported the conversion of hotels into housing with on-site services, achieving success in these projects by bringing people together.

As chair of the Parks Exploratory Funding Committee, Curtis has spearheaded a ballot measure to build community enhancements including the creation of indoor aquatics and recreation facilities, with pools, gymnasiums, fitness classes, and a community gathering space. Additional plans involve adding restrooms to selected parks, constructing new sports courts, expanding youth recreation programs, and acquiring green space for the development of Green Loop trail segments in northwest Kirkland.

Curtis faces challenges from Catie Malik and Zoltan Szilagyi. Malik is a health care operations professional and a longtime resident of the Greater Seattle area. Rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness, she tries to divide us and make us fear our neighbors. She also opposes rapid transit service to Kirkland's core, which would only make traffic worse and contribute toward climate change.

Zoltan Szilagyi is a longtime Kirkland resident running for Kirkland City Council, Position 2. Szilagyi has a PhD in physics and currently works as a research physicist for an electron microscope company. He has no political experience, and has no campaign website or funds raised as of ealy July.

Kirkland has benefitted from Curtis's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the core of some of its most challenging issues. Kelli Curtis is the clear choice for Kirkland City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Kelli Curtis

Incumbent Kelli Curtis is running for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 2, to which she was first elected in 2019. Before joining the council she worked for most of her career in the technology industry as a product manager for area companies such as Aldus and Starwave.

Incumbent Kelli Curtis is running for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 2, to which she was first elected in 2019. Before joining the council she worked for most of her career in the technology industry as a product manager for area companies such as Aldus and Starwave.

Curtis' campaign platform prioritizes close collaboration with neighbors, implementing sustainable planning strategies, cultivating inclusivity and belonging, building affordable homes, and expanding parks and natural spaces. During her time on the council, Curtis has supported the conversion of hotels into housing with on-site services, achieving success in these projects by bringing people together.

As chair of the Parks Exploratory Funding Committee, Curtis has spearheaded a ballot measure to build community enhancements including the creation of indoor aquatics and recreation facilities, with pools, gymnasiums, fitness classes, and a community gathering space. Additional plans involve adding restrooms to selected parks, constructing new sports courts, expanding youth recreation programs, and acquiring green space for the development of Green Loop trail segments in northwest Kirkland.

Curtis faces challenges from Catie Malik and Zoltan Szilagyi. Malik is a health care operations professional and a longtime resident of the Greater Seattle area. Rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness, she tries to divide us and make us fear our neighbors. She also opposes rapid transit service to Kirkland's core, which would only make traffic worse and contribute toward climate change.

Zoltan Szilagyi is a longtime Kirkland resident running for Kirkland City Council, Position 2. Szilagyi has a PhD in physics and currently works as a research physicist for an electron microscope company. He has no political experience, and has no campaign website or funds raised as of ealy July.

Kirkland has benefitted from Curtis's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the core of some of its most challenging issues. Kelli Curtis is the clear choice for Kirkland City Council, Position 2.

Kelli Curtis

Incumbent Kelli Curtis is running for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 2, to which she was first elected in 2019. Before joining the council she worked for most of her career in the technology industry as a product manager for area companies such as Aldus and Starwave.

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Washington Bikes, Housing Action Fund, King County Democrats, Moms Demand Action - Gun Sense Candidate, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Kelli Curtis

Website Facebook Endorsements
Incumbent Kelli Curtis is running for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 2, to which she was first elected in 2019. Before joining the council she worked for most of her career in the technology industry as a product manager for area companies such as Aldus and Starwave.

Curtis' campaign platform prioritizes close collaboration with neighbors, implementing sustainable planning strategies, cultivating inclusivity and belonging, building affordable homes, and expanding parks and natural spaces. During her time on the council, Curtis has supported the conversion of hotels into housing with on-site services, achieving success in these projects by bringing people together.

As chair of the Parks Exploratory Funding Committee, Curtis has spearheaded a ballot measure to build community enhancements including the creation of indoor aquatics and recreation facilities, with pools, gymnasiums, fitness classes, and a community gathering space. Additional plans involve adding restrooms to selected parks, constructing new sports courts, expanding youth recreation programs, and acquiring green space for the development of Green Loop trail segments in northwest Kirkland.

Curtis faces challenges from Catie Malik and Zoltan Szilagyi. Malik is a health care operations professional and a longtime resident of the Greater Seattle area. Rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness, she tries to divide us and make us fear our neighbors. She also opposes rapid transit service to Kirkland's core, which would only make traffic worse and contribute toward climate change.

Zoltan Szilagyi is a longtime Kirkland resident running for Kirkland City Council, Position 2. Szilagyi has a PhD in physics and currently works as a research physicist for an electron microscope company. He has no political experience, and has no campaign website or funds raised as of ealy July.

Kirkland has benefitted from Curtis's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the core of some of its most challenging issues. Kelli Curtis is the clear choice for Kirkland City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Washington Bikes, Housing Action Fund, King County Democrats, Moms Demand Action - Gun Sense Candidate, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council, Position #1

Sun Burford

Website Facebook Endorsements
Sun Burford, a Bellevue school district teacher, is running for Position 1 on the Newcastle City Council. Burford is very active in bringing the Newcastle community together; she helped to organize the city’s first official Lunar New Year celebration, serves on the Newcastle Arts Council, and works with Friends of Newcastle Library.

Burford, an immigrant and working mom, is running a hopeful and inclusive campaign to bring a brighter future to Newcastle. If elected, she wants to uplift residents and the local economy while building community safety. Burford wants to protect our senior neighbors from rising property taxes so that Newcastle residents can retire with security and dignity. Her commitment to working hard on behalf of Newcastle residents has earned her a long list of progressive endorsements in this race, including from progressive elected leaders, community organizations, and the local Democrats.

Burford faces two opponents also vying for retiring Councilmember Linda Newing’s seat. Len Trautman is a retired contractor and electrician running on a platform that is not progressive. His vision of safety excludes community investments that bring all residents the resources they need to thrive, and instead, he wants to funnel more money into policing. Trautman has refused to accept endorsements in this race.

Also in this race is Kevin Turner, an IT management professional and former chair of the Bellevue Planning Commission. Turner is running on a nearly identical platform to Trautman, emphasizing cutting funding for community services and improving public infrastructure without offering specific policy suggestions.

Sun Burford is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Newcastle City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2023-07-11

Sun Burford

Sun Burford, a Bellevue school district teacher, is running for Position 1 on the Newcastle City Council.

Sun Burford, a Bellevue school district teacher, is running for Position 1 on the Newcastle City Council. Burford is very active in bringing the Newcastle community together; she helped to organize the city’s first official Lunar New Year celebration, serves on the Newcastle Arts Council, and works with Friends of Newcastle Library.

Burford, an immigrant and working mom, is running a hopeful and inclusive campaign to bring a brighter future to Newcastle. If elected, she wants to uplift residents and the local economy while building community safety. Burford wants to protect our senior neighbors from rising property taxes so that Newcastle residents can retire with security and dignity. Her commitment to working hard on behalf of Newcastle residents has earned her a long list of progressive endorsements in this race, including from progressive elected leaders, community organizations, and the local Democrats.

Burford faces two opponents also vying for retiring Councilmember Linda Newing’s seat. Len Trautman is a retired contractor and electrician running on a platform that is not progressive. His vision of safety excludes community investments that bring all residents the resources they need to thrive, and instead, he wants to funnel more money into policing. Trautman has refused to accept endorsements in this race.

Also in this race is Kevin Turner, an IT management professional and former chair of the Bellevue Planning Commission. Turner is running on a nearly identical platform to Trautman, emphasizing cutting funding for community services and improving public infrastructure without offering specific policy suggestions.

Sun Burford is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Newcastle City Council, Position 1.

Sun Burford

Sun Burford, a Bellevue school district teacher, is running for Position 1 on the Newcastle City Council.

Endorsed By: 41st Legislative District Democrats

Sun Burford

Website Facebook Endorsements
Sun Burford, a Bellevue school district teacher, is running for Position 1 on the Newcastle City Council. Burford is very active in bringing the Newcastle community together; she helped to organize the city’s first official Lunar New Year celebration, serves on the Newcastle Arts Council, and works with Friends of Newcastle Library.

Burford, an immigrant and working mom, is running a hopeful and inclusive campaign to bring a brighter future to Newcastle. If elected, she wants to uplift residents and the local economy while building community safety. Burford wants to protect our senior neighbors from rising property taxes so that Newcastle residents can retire with security and dignity. Her commitment to working hard on behalf of Newcastle residents has earned her a long list of progressive endorsements in this race, including from progressive elected leaders, community organizations, and the local Democrats.

Burford faces two opponents also vying for retiring Councilmember Linda Newing’s seat. Len Trautman is a retired contractor and electrician running on a platform that is not progressive. His vision of safety excludes community investments that bring all residents the resources they need to thrive, and instead, he wants to funnel more money into policing. Trautman has refused to accept endorsements in this race.

Also in this race is Kevin Turner, an IT management professional and former chair of the Bellevue Planning Commission. Turner is running on a nearly identical platform to Trautman, emphasizing cutting funding for community services and improving public infrastructure without offering specific policy suggestions.

Sun Burford is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Newcastle City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2023-07-11

Endorsed By: 41st Legislative District Democrats

Redmond City Council

Redmond City Council, Position #1

Osman Salahuddin

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram Twitter
Osman Salahuddin is running for Position 1 on the Redmond City Council after Councilmember Varisha Khan declined to run for re-election. Salahuddin works as the Communications and Community Engagement Manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. He is currently on the board of directors for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and previously served as student body president at the University of Washington.

Salahuddin is running to reduce the cost of housing in Redmond and ensure everyone feels safe in their community. If elected, he would improve neighborhood walkability and invest more in affordable housing solutions like the Together Center. In addition, he would work to modernize Redmond's building codes to encourage green construction and promote energy efficiency.

Salahuddin is facing two conservative opponents in this race: Paul Stepanov and Nate Niederhausern. Stepanov has founded several technology startups including Virtudesk, which helps businesses outsource customer service and administrative jobs. In 2020, Stepanov supported MAGA Republican Loren Culp for governor. Culp compared gun safety laws to the Holocaust and joined President Trump in seeking to overthrow the will of the people after the 2020 election.

Niederhausern works in digital streaming and online learning for corporations. He is active with the Redmond LDS Boy Scout troops, particularly on environmental conservation. Niederhausern appears to be newer to politics. While he will be on the primary ballot himself this year, he has not voted in a primary election in 15 years. In addition, he supported Republican Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign against President Obama.

Salahuddin is the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Osman Salahuddin

Osman Salahuddin is running for Position 1 on the Redmond City Council after Councilmember Varisha Khan declined to run for re-election. Salahuddin works as the Communications and Community Engagement Manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.

Osman Salahuddin is running for Position 1 on the Redmond City Council after Councilmember Varisha Khan declined to run for re-election. Salahuddin works as the Communications and Community Engagement Manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. He is currently on the board of directors for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and previously served as student body president at the University of Washington.

Salahuddin is running to reduce the cost of housing in Redmond and ensure everyone feels safe in their community. If elected, he would improve neighborhood walkability and invest more in affordable housing solutions like the Together Center. In addition, he would work to modernize Redmond's building codes to encourage green construction and promote energy efficiency.

Salahuddin is facing two conservative opponents in this race: Paul Stepanov and Nate Niederhausern. Stepanov has founded several technology startups including Virtudesk, which helps businesses outsource customer service and administrative jobs. In 2020, Stepanov supported MAGA Republican Loren Culp for governor. Culp compared gun safety laws to the Holocaust and joined President Trump in seeking to overthrow the will of the people after the 2020 election.

Niederhausern works in digital streaming and online learning for corporations. He is active with the Redmond LDS Boy Scout troops, particularly on environmental conservation. Niederhausern appears to be newer to politics. While he will be on the primary ballot himself this year, he has not voted in a primary election in 15 years. In addition, he supported Republican Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign against President Obama.

Salahuddin is the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 1.

Osman Salahuddin

Osman Salahuddin is running for Position 1 on the Redmond City Council after Councilmember Varisha Khan declined to run for re-election. Salahuddin works as the Communications and Community Engagement Manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, OneAmerica Votes, Sage Leaders, Washington Conservation Action

Osman Salahuddin

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram Twitter
Osman Salahuddin is running for Position 1 on the Redmond City Council after Councilmember Varisha Khan declined to run for re-election. Salahuddin works as the Communications and Community Engagement Manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. He is currently on the board of directors for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound and previously served as student body president at the University of Washington.

Salahuddin is running to reduce the cost of housing in Redmond and ensure everyone feels safe in their community. If elected, he would improve neighborhood walkability and invest more in affordable housing solutions like the Together Center. In addition, he would work to modernize Redmond's building codes to encourage green construction and promote energy efficiency.

Salahuddin is facing two conservative opponents in this race: Paul Stepanov and Nate Niederhausern. Stepanov has founded several technology startups including Virtudesk, which helps businesses outsource customer service and administrative jobs. In 2020, Stepanov supported MAGA Republican Loren Culp for governor. Culp compared gun safety laws to the Holocaust and joined President Trump in seeking to overthrow the will of the people after the 2020 election.

Niederhausern works in digital streaming and online learning for corporations. He is active with the Redmond LDS Boy Scout troops, particularly on environmental conservation. Niederhausern appears to be newer to politics. While he will be on the primary ballot himself this year, he has not voted in a primary election in 15 years. In addition, he supported Republican Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign against President Obama.

Salahuddin is the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 1.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, OneAmerica Votes, Sage Leaders, Washington Conservation Action

Redmond City Council, Position #7

Angie Nuevacamina

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram
U.S. Navy Veteran and insurance agent Angie Nuevacamina is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and has been a committee member with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for the last 5 years.

Nuevacamina is running to make housing more affordable, keep our communities safe, and improve transparency in local government. As a proponent of the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle, she would ensure decisions in Redmond are made more equitably and every voice is heard. As Redmond continues to grow, she also wants to make the city more welcoming for all residents.

Nuevacamina is facing Amit Gupta and incumbent David Carson. Carson, a software test lead, is a business-oriented candidate running to push for the completion of infrastructure projects in Redmond. Carson has an antagonistic approach to homelessness, stating that he wants to prosecute people found with shopping carts off-premises. He has been cited in the Washington Post and elsewhere stating that those suffering from addiction must hit "rock bottom" before seeking treatment.

Amit Gupta is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7 with a focus on economic growth and sustainability. He works as a Principal Group Engineering Manager at Microsoft and serves on the Computer Science Advisory Board of Kansas State University, where he earned a graduate degree. While he supports some good policies, he lacks Angie's depth of community leadership experience and detailed knowledge of local policies.

Nuevacamina's lived experience and deep experience in the community makes her the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 7.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Angie Nuevacamina

U.S. Navy Veteran and insurance agent Angie Nuevacamina is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and has been a committee member with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for the last 5 years.

U.S. Navy Veteran and insurance agent Angie Nuevacamina is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and has been a committee member with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for the last 5 years.

Nuevacamina is running to make housing more affordable, keep our communities safe, and improve transparency in local government. As a proponent of the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle, she would ensure decisions in Redmond are made more equitably and every voice is heard. As Redmond continues to grow, she also wants to make the city more welcoming for all residents.

Nuevacamina is facing Amit Gupta and incumbent David Carson. Carson, a software test lead, is a business-oriented candidate running to push for the completion of infrastructure projects in Redmond. Carson has an antagonistic approach to homelessness, stating that he wants to prosecute people found with shopping carts off-premises. He has been cited in the Washington Post and elsewhere stating that those suffering from addiction must hit "rock bottom" before seeking treatment.

Amit Gupta is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7 with a focus on economic growth and sustainability. He works as a Principal Group Engineering Manager at Microsoft and serves on the Computer Science Advisory Board of Kansas State University, where he earned a graduate degree. While he supports some good policies, he lacks Angie's depth of community leadership experience and detailed knowledge of local policies.

Nuevacamina's lived experience and deep experience in the community makes her the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 7.

Angie Nuevacamina

U.S. Navy Veteran and insurance agent Angie Nuevacamina is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and has been a committee member with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for the last 5 years.

Endorsed By: Sage Leaders, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Angie Nuevacamina

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram
U.S. Navy Veteran and insurance agent Angie Nuevacamina is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and has been a committee member with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for the last 5 years.

Nuevacamina is running to make housing more affordable, keep our communities safe, and improve transparency in local government. As a proponent of the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle, she would ensure decisions in Redmond are made more equitably and every voice is heard. As Redmond continues to grow, she also wants to make the city more welcoming for all residents.

Nuevacamina is facing Amit Gupta and incumbent David Carson. Carson, a software test lead, is a business-oriented candidate running to push for the completion of infrastructure projects in Redmond. Carson has an antagonistic approach to homelessness, stating that he wants to prosecute people found with shopping carts off-premises. He has been cited in the Washington Post and elsewhere stating that those suffering from addiction must hit "rock bottom" before seeking treatment.

Amit Gupta is running for Redmond City Council, Position 7 with a focus on economic growth and sustainability. He works as a Principal Group Engineering Manager at Microsoft and serves on the Computer Science Advisory Board of Kansas State University, where he earned a graduate degree. While he supports some good policies, he lacks Angie's depth of community leadership experience and detailed knowledge of local policies.

Nuevacamina's lived experience and deep experience in the community makes her the clear choice for Redmond City Council, Position 7.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: Sage Leaders, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Renton City Council

Renton City Council, Position #7

There are two leading progressives running for Renton City Council, Position 7: incumbent Kim-Khanh Van and Michael Westgaard. We lean toward Van because of her broader support from our progressive partner organizations.

Kim-Khanh Van

Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter
Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney. Van is now an active member of the community - she volunteers with groups that serve veterans, protect the local environment, and provide legal aid to immigrants. She also is a board member of the Kennydale PTA, where her child attends school, and is the co-founder of AAPI Against Hate.

On the council, Van allocated pandemic funding to homeownership programs, human services, and small businesses. She advocated for testing for toxic "forever chemicals" in our water systems and denounced the construction of an asphalt plant on the Cedar River. She was also one of only two members of the Renton City Council who voted to maintain the Red Lion Hotel as a source of housing for residents experiencing homelessness. However, unlike her opponent Michael Westgaard, she has not publicly endorsed the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure to increase the minimum wage.

Van cares about police accountability and advocated for $1 million to fund body cameras and mental health navigators. However, she also supported hiring and funding additional police to patrol downtown. Notably, she was not one of the three city council members who signed a letter demanding a less punitive approach to criminal justice.

Van has been an outspoken advocate for immigrants and communities of color and has earned impressive support from our partners in this race.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Kim-Khanh Van

Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney.

Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney. Van is now an active member of the community - she volunteers with groups that serve veterans, protect the local environment, and provide legal aid to immigrants. She also is a board member of the Kennydale PTA, where her child attends school, and is the co-founder of AAPI Against Hate.

On the council, Van allocated pandemic funding to homeownership programs, human services, and small businesses. She advocated for testing for toxic "forever chemicals" in our water systems and denounced the construction of an asphalt plant on the Cedar River. She was also one of only two members of the Renton City Council who voted to maintain the Red Lion Hotel as a source of housing for residents experiencing homelessness. However, unlike her opponent Michael Westgaard, she has not publicly endorsed the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure to increase the minimum wage.

Van cares about police accountability and advocated for $1 million to fund body cameras and mental health navigators. However, she also supported hiring and funding additional police to patrol downtown. Notably, she was not one of the three city council members who signed a letter demanding a less punitive approach to criminal justice.

Van has been an outspoken advocate for immigrants and communities of color and has earned impressive support from our partners in this race.

Kim-Khanh Van

Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney.

Endorsed By: APACE, M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Teamsters Joint Council 28, Renton Firefighters IAFF Local 864, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Kim-Khanh Van

Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter
Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney. Van is now an active member of the community - she volunteers with groups that serve veterans, protect the local environment, and provide legal aid to immigrants. She also is a board member of the Kennydale PTA, where her child attends school, and is the co-founder of AAPI Against Hate.

On the council, Van allocated pandemic funding to homeownership programs, human services, and small businesses. She advocated for testing for toxic "forever chemicals" in our water systems and denounced the construction of an asphalt plant on the Cedar River. She was also one of only two members of the Renton City Council who voted to maintain the Red Lion Hotel as a source of housing for residents experiencing homelessness. However, unlike her opponent Michael Westgaard, she has not publicly endorsed the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure to increase the minimum wage.

Van cares about police accountability and advocated for $1 million to fund body cameras and mental health navigators. However, she also supported hiring and funding additional police to patrol downtown. Notably, she was not one of the three city council members who signed a letter demanding a less punitive approach to criminal justice.

Van has been an outspoken advocate for immigrants and communities of color and has earned impressive support from our partners in this race.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: APACE, M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Teamsters Joint Council 28, Renton Firefighters IAFF Local 864, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Michael Westgaard

Website Endorsements
Michael Westgaard, a waste treatment operator, is running a progressive and optimistic campaign to make Renton a better place for everyone. Westgaard proudly comes from a union background and wants to represent the needs of working people on the council. He has struggled with substance abuse in his own life, and unlike some of his opponents, he does not believe that the solution to addiction in our community is a return to War-on-Drugs era policies of criminalization.

Westgaard is running to create a strong implementation plan for the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure (if approved by voters first), secure public broadband, create affordable childcare, and invest in public transit to reduce carbon emissions and increase affordable transportation options. On the issue of policing, Westgaard believes that our police force can be stronger if some responsibilities are shifted to other crisis responders, freeing up officers for response availability. He also wants to establish a community council with real power to provide oversight in cases of police violence.

Westgaard has strong community ties and has earned Democratic and progressive support in this race. He is a great choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership in Renton.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Michael Westgaard

Michael Westgaard, a waste treatment operator, is running a progressive and optimistic campaign to make Renton a better place for everyone. Westgaard proudly comes from a union background and wants to represent the needs of working people on the council.

Michael Westgaard, a waste treatment operator, is running a progressive and optimistic campaign to make Renton a better place for everyone. Westgaard proudly comes from a union background and wants to represent the needs of working people on the council. He has struggled with substance abuse in his own life, and unlike some of his opponents, he does not believe that the solution to addiction in our community is a return to War-on-Drugs era policies of criminalization.

Westgaard is running to create a strong implementation plan for the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure (if approved by voters first), secure public broadband, create affordable childcare, and invest in public transit to reduce carbon emissions and increase affordable transportation options. On the issue of policing, Westgaard believes that our police force can be stronger if some responsibilities are shifted to other crisis responders, freeing up officers for response availability. He also wants to establish a community council with real power to provide oversight in cases of police violence.

Westgaard has strong community ties and has earned Democratic and progressive support in this race. He is a great choice for voters looking for new progressive leadership in Renton.

Michael Westgaard

Michael Westgaard, a waste treatment operator, is running a progressive and optimistic campaign to make Renton a better place for everyone. Westgaard proudly comes from a union background and wants to represent the needs of working people on the council.

Endorsed By: SEIU Local 925

Other Candidates

Other Candidates Renton City Council P7 Randy Corman

There are five other candidates in this crowded race for Position 7.

Other Candidates Renton City Council P7 Randy Corman

There are five other candidates in this crowded race for Position 7.

SeaTac City Council

SeaTac City Council, Position #3

Elizabeth Greninger

Website Facebook Endorsements
Progressive candidate Elizabeth Greninger is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 3. With more than 15 years of social work experience, Greninger has helped people who have faced domestic violence, sexual assault, and housing instability.

Greninger has a comprehensive plan to deliver safe, affordable, and accessible housing to all SeaTac residents. For example, she would make it easier for homeowners to convert or build accessory dwelling units on their properties. Along with advocating for higher minimum wages, Greninger also wants to ensure SeaTac uses union contracts whenever possible. If elected, she would expand local initiatives helping women, queer people, and people of color start their own businesses.

Greninger also has the most complete vision for protecting the environment and residents’ well-being. She advocates for preventing the North SeaTac Park from being developed by the Port of Seattle. Moreover, she would expand farmers markets and leverage the recently-passed Crisis Care Levy to build behavioral health resources in the city. Finally, Greninger is focused on reducing air traffic noise pollution and aviation emissions, although her platform lacks a strong focus on reducing SeaTac’s own carbon footprint by expanding transit. Overall, her policies would lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for SeaTac.

If you are looking for a progressive candidate with a solid record of community service, Elizabeth Greninger is the best choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 3.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Elizabeth Greninger

Progressive candidate Elizabeth Greninger is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 3. With more than 15 years of social work experience, Greninger has helped people who have faced domestic violence, sexual assault, and housing instability.

Progressive candidate Elizabeth Greninger is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 3. With more than 15 years of social work experience, Greninger has helped people who have faced domestic violence, sexual assault, and housing instability.

Greninger has a comprehensive plan to deliver safe, affordable, and accessible housing to all SeaTac residents. For example, she would make it easier for homeowners to convert or build accessory dwelling units on their properties. Along with advocating for higher minimum wages, Greninger also wants to ensure SeaTac uses union contracts whenever possible. If elected, she would expand local initiatives helping women, queer people, and people of color start their own businesses.

Greninger also has the most complete vision for protecting the environment and residents’ well-being. She advocates for preventing the North SeaTac Park from being developed by the Port of Seattle. Moreover, she would expand farmers markets and leverage the recently-passed Crisis Care Levy to build behavioral health resources in the city. Finally, Greninger is focused on reducing air traffic noise pollution and aviation emissions, although her platform lacks a strong focus on reducing SeaTac’s own carbon footprint by expanding transit. Overall, her policies would lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for SeaTac.

If you are looking for a progressive candidate with a solid record of community service, Elizabeth Greninger is the best choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 3.

Elizabeth Greninger

Progressive candidate Elizabeth Greninger is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 3. With more than 15 years of social work experience, Greninger has helped people who have faced domestic violence, sexual assault, and housing instability.

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, OneAmerica Votes, SEIU 775, UFCW 3000, Washington Education Association PAC, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Elizabeth Greninger

Website Facebook Endorsements
Progressive candidate Elizabeth Greninger is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 3. With more than 15 years of social work experience, Greninger has helped people who have faced domestic violence, sexual assault, and housing instability.

Greninger has a comprehensive plan to deliver safe, affordable, and accessible housing to all SeaTac residents. For example, she would make it easier for homeowners to convert or build accessory dwelling units on their properties. Along with advocating for higher minimum wages, Greninger also wants to ensure SeaTac uses union contracts whenever possible. If elected, she would expand local initiatives helping women, queer people, and people of color start their own businesses.

Greninger also has the most complete vision for protecting the environment and residents’ well-being. She advocates for preventing the North SeaTac Park from being developed by the Port of Seattle. Moreover, she would expand farmers markets and leverage the recently-passed Crisis Care Levy to build behavioral health resources in the city. Finally, Greninger is focused on reducing air traffic noise pollution and aviation emissions, although her platform lacks a strong focus on reducing SeaTac’s own carbon footprint by expanding transit. Overall, her policies would lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for SeaTac.

If you are looking for a progressive candidate with a solid record of community service, Elizabeth Greninger is the best choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 3.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, OneAmerica Votes, SEIU 775, UFCW 3000, Washington Education Association PAC, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Other Candidates

Greninger is challenging incumbent Peter Kwon, who has been a council member since 2016. Between 2020 and 2022 Kwon was the deputy mayor of SeaTac. Professionally, he is a systems engineer and is the founder of the Neighborhood Locking Mailbox Program.

Kwon’s main priority during his tenure has been reducing SeaTac’s debt position while trying to not cut services. Recently, Kwon has also initiated talks with the Port of Seattle to acquire the 220-acre North SeaTac park. Unfortunately, Kwon has campaigned to make us fear our neighbors, spreading lies based on what we look like or where we come from while opposing affordable homes. He has been quoted as stating that SeaTac already has "enough" affordable housing, which disregards the pressing need for accessible and affordable housing options in our community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kwon voted to ban the effective strategy by King County to convert unused hotels into housing with on-site services within SeaTac. In a time when collective efforts were required to address the crisis, Kwon prioritized bureaucratic concerns over the health and safety of our community.

Also running is Marianne "Ginger" West, who is not mounting an active campaign as of early July, with no website and no funds raised.

Other Candidates SeaTac City Council P3 Peter Kwon

School Districts

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below school district races on your ballot.

Bellevue School Board

Bellevue School Board, Director, District #2

Carolyn Watson

Website Facebook Endorsements
Incumbent school board director Carolyn Watson is running for re-election to the District 2 seat. Watson has been volunteering with Bellevue schools since 2004 and has served on the school board since 2015. She is a member of the city’s PTSA Board and has previously worked as a tutor and teacher. In all of these roles, Watson has fought to improve Bellevue schools so all students are prepared for vibrant futures.

Watson’s campaign platform emphasizes investing in an equitable, world-class education. She believes that in order for students to thrive, schools need the resources to care for the physical and mental health of the student body while also empowering teachers. Watson has a strong sense of transparency and community engagement, and she wants all voices to be heard where decisions are made. In this race, she earned endorsements from a host of elected officials, educators, and community organizations.

Watson faces two challengers: James vanRosmalen and Ryan Sugden. VanRosmalen works for Microsoft and is running to bring a progressive vision to the school board, including investments in accessibility and special education, multicultural learning, and support for teachers. He has less experience with the school district than Watson and he has not earned the same level of community support in this race.

Sugden, a certified public accountant specializing in the restaurant industry, has a very vague platform and no campaign website as of early July. He wants to represent diverse voices, but his definition of “equity” in the school district context lacks understanding.

Carolyn Watson is the clear choice for Bellevue School Board from District 2.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Carolyn Watson

Incumbent school board director Carolyn Watson is running for re-election to the District 2 seat. Watson has been volunteering with Bellevue schools since 2004 and has served on the school board since 2015.

Incumbent school board director Carolyn Watson is running for re-election to the District 2 seat. Watson has been volunteering with Bellevue schools since 2004 and has served on the school board since 2015. She is a member of the city’s PTSA Board and has previously worked as a tutor and teacher. In all of these roles, Watson has fought to improve Bellevue schools so all students are prepared for vibrant futures.

Watson’s campaign platform emphasizes investing in an equitable, world-class education. She believes that in order for students to thrive, schools need the resources to care for the physical and mental health of the student body while also empowering teachers. Watson has a strong sense of transparency and community engagement, and she wants all voices to be heard where decisions are made. In this race, she earned endorsements from a host of elected officials, educators, and community organizations.

Watson faces two challengers: James vanRosmalen and Ryan Sugden. VanRosmalen works for Microsoft and is running to bring a progressive vision to the school board, including investments in accessibility and special education, multicultural learning, and support for teachers. He has less experience with the school district than Watson and he has not earned the same level of community support in this race.

Sugden, a certified public accountant specializing in the restaurant industry, has a very vague platform and no campaign website as of early July. He wants to represent diverse voices, but his definition of “equity” in the school district context lacks understanding.

Carolyn Watson is the clear choice for Bellevue School Board from District 2.

Carolyn Watson

Incumbent school board director Carolyn Watson is running for re-election to the District 2 seat. Watson has been volunteering with Bellevue schools since 2004 and has served on the school board since 2015.

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association PAC

Carolyn Watson

Website Facebook Endorsements
Incumbent school board director Carolyn Watson is running for re-election to the District 2 seat. Watson has been volunteering with Bellevue schools since 2004 and has served on the school board since 2015. She is a member of the city’s PTSA Board and has previously worked as a tutor and teacher. In all of these roles, Watson has fought to improve Bellevue schools so all students are prepared for vibrant futures.

Watson’s campaign platform emphasizes investing in an equitable, world-class education. She believes that in order for students to thrive, schools need the resources to care for the physical and mental health of the student body while also empowering teachers. Watson has a strong sense of transparency and community engagement, and she wants all voices to be heard where decisions are made. In this race, she earned endorsements from a host of elected officials, educators, and community organizations.

Watson faces two challengers: James vanRosmalen and Ryan Sugden. VanRosmalen works for Microsoft and is running to bring a progressive vision to the school board, including investments in accessibility and special education, multicultural learning, and support for teachers. He has less experience with the school district than Watson and he has not earned the same level of community support in this race.

Sugden, a certified public accountant specializing in the restaurant industry, has a very vague platform and no campaign website as of early July. He wants to represent diverse voices, but his definition of “equity” in the school district context lacks understanding.

Carolyn Watson is the clear choice for Bellevue School Board from District 2.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association PAC

Northshore School Board

Northshore School Board, Director, District #3

Han Tran

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram
Han Tran, an electrical engineer, is running for Northshore School Board, Director District 3 to replace David Cogan, who is not seeking re-election. Tran is an active community advocate, previously running for Bothell City Council in 2021 on a strong progressive platform, participating on the school district’s Ethnic Studies Work Team, and serving as a Washington Human Rights Commissioner.

As an immigrant and a working mother to Northshore district students, Tran wants to champion equity and inclusion, empower educators, and bring a holistic and progressive approach to addressing the district’s needs. She wants to work to close opportunity gaps by implementing targeted academic support, culturally responsive teaching, and accountability metrics. The rest of her campaign priorities are equally detailed and community-centric, and she has received an impressive list of progressive endorsements in this race.

Tran faces two challengers, Chris Cazares and Myriam Juritz, for the school district director seat. Chris Cazares is a member of the US Air Force and a lawyer who is running on a vague and thin platform based on the values of communication and representation. His campaign website lacks campaign information as of mid-July.

Myriam Juritz is a substitute teacher in the Northshore school district and she serves on the board of the Northshore Schools Foundation. Juritz has shared a campaign platform that emphasizes improving academic excellence and student health, both mental and physical. She is an immigrant and credits her upbringing in political unrest as motivating her to run for local government to ensure that community needs are met. However, her platform is not as detailed nor as progressive Tran’s.

Tran is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Northshore School Board Director, District 3.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Han Tran

Han Tran, an electrical engineer, is running for Northshore School Board, Director District 3 to replace David Cogan, who is not seeking re-election.

Han Tran, an electrical engineer, is running for Northshore School Board, Director District 3 to replace David Cogan, who is not seeking re-election. Tran is an active community advocate, previously running for Bothell City Council in 2021 on a strong progressive platform, participating on the school district’s Ethnic Studies Work Team, and serving as a Washington Human Rights Commissioner.

As an immigrant and a working mother to Northshore district students, Tran wants to champion equity and inclusion, empower educators, and bring a holistic and progressive approach to addressing the district’s needs. She wants to work to close opportunity gaps by implementing targeted academic support, culturally responsive teaching, and accountability metrics. The rest of her campaign priorities are equally detailed and community-centric, and she has received an impressive list of progressive endorsements in this race.

Tran faces two challengers, Chris Cazares and Myriam Juritz, for the school district director seat. Chris Cazares is a member of the US Air Force and a lawyer who is running on a vague and thin platform based on the values of communication and representation. His campaign website lacks campaign information as of mid-July.

Myriam Juritz is a substitute teacher in the Northshore school district and she serves on the board of the Northshore Schools Foundation. Juritz has shared a campaign platform that emphasizes improving academic excellence and student health, both mental and physical. She is an immigrant and credits her upbringing in political unrest as motivating her to run for local government to ensure that community needs are met. However, her platform is not as detailed nor as progressive Tran’s.

Tran is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Northshore School Board Director, District 3.

Han Tran

Han Tran, an electrical engineer, is running for Northshore School Board, Director District 3 to replace David Cogan, who is not seeking re-election.

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association (WEA-PAC), Snohomish County Democrats, King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Han Tran

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram
Han Tran, an electrical engineer, is running for Northshore School Board, Director District 3 to replace David Cogan, who is not seeking re-election. Tran is an active community advocate, previously running for Bothell City Council in 2021 on a strong progressive platform, participating on the school district’s Ethnic Studies Work Team, and serving as a Washington Human Rights Commissioner.

As an immigrant and a working mother to Northshore district students, Tran wants to champion equity and inclusion, empower educators, and bring a holistic and progressive approach to addressing the district’s needs. She wants to work to close opportunity gaps by implementing targeted academic support, culturally responsive teaching, and accountability metrics. The rest of her campaign priorities are equally detailed and community-centric, and she has received an impressive list of progressive endorsements in this race.

Tran faces two challengers, Chris Cazares and Myriam Juritz, for the school district director seat. Chris Cazares is a member of the US Air Force and a lawyer who is running on a vague and thin platform based on the values of communication and representation. His campaign website lacks campaign information as of mid-July.

Myriam Juritz is a substitute teacher in the Northshore school district and she serves on the board of the Northshore Schools Foundation. Juritz has shared a campaign platform that emphasizes improving academic excellence and student health, both mental and physical. She is an immigrant and credits her upbringing in political unrest as motivating her to run for local government to ensure that community needs are met. However, her platform is not as detailed nor as progressive Tran’s.

Tran is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Northshore School Board Director, District 3.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: Washington Education Association (WEA-PAC), Snohomish County Democrats, King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Seattle School Board

Seattle School Board, Director, District #1

No Recommendation

There are many concerning issues in Seattle Public Schools that need to be addressed in the years to come. There's a looming budget crisis, partially fueled by the recession and increasing costs. With a fatal shooting at Ingraham High School, declining enrollment, and a new education model to implement, Seattle voters have an opportunity to make a difference with their vote for school board director this year.

In times such as these, the school board would benefit from some stability and institutional knowledge. However, the unpaid and high-pressure position of school board director in Seattle has had high turnover, with most incumbents staying only one term. As of right now, the longest-serving incumbents on the ballot have been in office for four years.

No matter who is elected this year in school board positions, the board members must wrestle with difficult changes as they reckon with the budget, bringing special education and highly capable students into general education classrooms, and continuing work on equity.

Voters have two reasonable choices between Liza Rankin, the incumbent, and Debbie Carlsen, to be the District 1 Director on the Seattle School Board. Please read the full comparison below to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Seattle schools.

Voters have a clear but difficult choice in District 1. Liza Rankin, the incumbent, and Debbie Carlsen are the leading candidates in this race to be the District 1 Director on the Seattle School Board. Please read the full comparison below to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Seattle schools.

Liza Rankin

Website Facebook Endorsements
Incumbent Liza Rankin was elected in 2019 and took office shortly before the chaos of the pandemic hit our schools. Prior to her election, Rankin was a longtime community organizer and artist who had served on the PTA of her children's school as well as on the board of the Seattle Council PTSA and the advisory board at Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange at Magnuson Park, among other leadership roles. Rankin began her school activism by bringing food to teachers walking picket lines during the 2015 strike. She ran on a vision to support the school board's new Strategic Plan and ensure that every child has equitable access and opportunity to learn.

In our extensive interview with Rankin, she reiterated that the board had made excellent progress on those issues, including reducing disproportionate discipline against boys and students of color, banning isolation practices, and limiting restraints. She noted that progress had been made on inclusionary practices for students with disabilities, moving the city's public schools from the bottom quartile to the bottom half nationwide. Rankin is running again to continue this work, but also to address head-on the issues facing students and schools.

We found Rankin to be clear-eyed on the issue of the budget. She told us without equivocation that any one-time fixes have run out and expenditures are higher than state revenue provides. Rankin told us that in the last 8 years, 10 schools had opened, and a mismatch of schools open and students who actually attend mean the school closures are likely one of the ways to close the budget gap. For example, she stated that 15 elementary schools have fewer than 250 students and the district could save money on administration and provide better opportunities for students if they were added to larger schools.

Rankin noted that an upgrade to school lock security would be complete in Seattle Public Schools soon, and outside of that, Carlsen and Rankin were somewhat similar on school safety.

Rankin is a good choice if you're looking for someone with institutional knowledge to serve during a challenging time for our schools.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Liza Rankin

Incumbent Liza Rankin was elected in 2019 and took office shortly before the chaos of the pandemic hit our schools.

Incumbent Liza Rankin was elected in 2019 and took office shortly before the chaos of the pandemic hit our schools. Prior to her election, Rankin was a longtime community organizer and artist who had served on the PTA of her children's school as well as on the board of the Seattle Council PTSA and the advisory board at Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange at Magnuson Park, among other leadership roles. Rankin began her school activism by bringing food to teachers walking picket lines during the 2015 strike. She ran on a vision to support the school board's new Strategic Plan and ensure that every child has equitable access and opportunity to learn.

In our extensive interview with Rankin, she reiterated that the board had made excellent progress on those issues, including reducing disproportionate discipline against boys and students of color, banning isolation practices, and limiting restraints. She noted that progress had been made on inclusionary practices for students with disabilities, moving the city's public schools from the bottom quartile to the bottom half nationwide. Rankin is running again to continue this work, but also to address head-on the issues facing students and schools.

We found Rankin to be clear-eyed on the issue of the budget. She told us without equivocation that any one-time fixes have run out and expenditures are higher than state revenue provides. Rankin told us that in the last 8 years, 10 schools had opened, and a mismatch of schools open and students who actually attend mean the school closures are likely one of the ways to close the budget gap. For example, she stated that 15 elementary schools have fewer than 250 students and the district could save money on administration and provide better opportunities for students if they were added to larger schools.

Rankin noted that an upgrade to school lock security would be complete in Seattle Public Schools soon, and outside of that, Carlsen and Rankin were somewhat similar on school safety.

Rankin is a good choice if you're looking for someone with institutional knowledge to serve during a challenging time for our schools.

Liza Rankin

Incumbent Liza Rankin was elected in 2019 and took office shortly before the chaos of the pandemic hit our schools.

Endorsed By: OneAmerica Votes, The Stranger, King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Liza Rankin

Website Facebook Endorsements
Incumbent Liza Rankin was elected in 2019 and took office shortly before the chaos of the pandemic hit our schools. Prior to her election, Rankin was a longtime community organizer and artist who had served on the PTA of her children's school as well as on the board of the Seattle Council PTSA and the advisory board at Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange at Magnuson Park, among other leadership roles. Rankin began her school activism by bringing food to teachers walking picket lines during the 2015 strike. She ran on a vision to support the school board's new Strategic Plan and ensure that every child has equitable access and opportunity to learn.

In our extensive interview with Rankin, she reiterated that the board had made excellent progress on those issues, including reducing disproportionate discipline against boys and students of color, banning isolation practices, and limiting restraints. She noted that progress had been made on inclusionary practices for students with disabilities, moving the city's public schools from the bottom quartile to the bottom half nationwide. Rankin is running again to continue this work, but also to address head-on the issues facing students and schools.

We found Rankin to be clear-eyed on the issue of the budget. She told us without equivocation that any one-time fixes have run out and expenditures are higher than state revenue provides. Rankin told us that in the last 8 years, 10 schools had opened, and a mismatch of schools open and students who actually attend mean the school closures are likely one of the ways to close the budget gap. For example, she stated that 15 elementary schools have fewer than 250 students and the district could save money on administration and provide better opportunities for students if they were added to larger schools.

Rankin noted that an upgrade to school lock security would be complete in Seattle Public Schools soon, and outside of that, Carlsen and Rankin were somewhat similar on school safety.

Rankin is a good choice if you're looking for someone with institutional knowledge to serve during a challenging time for our schools.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: OneAmerica Votes, The Stranger, King County Democrats, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Debbie Carlsen

Website Facebook Endorsements
Challenging Rankin this year is Debbie Carlsen, a consultant, former NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washington Interim Policy Director, and co-founder and executive director of LGTBQ Allyship. She serves as advocacy chair of both the Olympic Hills Elementary PTA board and the 46th Democrats as a Co-Policy & Advocacy Chair, as well as fundraising chair for the National Women’s Political Caucus.

As a nonbinary person with a diverse family, Carlsen wants schools to be welcoming to all, especially in a climate of conservatives passing anti-LGTBQ laws. Though she does not have much detail available on her website, Carlsen lists transparency, family engagement, and representation in schools as her top three policy priorities. In her interview with the 36th Legislative District Democrats, she also emphasized robust special education and regaining the confidence of Seattle parents and families.

On the issue of the budget, Carlsen was hesitant to say that closures were inevitable. Closures in the past have been disastrous, she said, and more community meetings would need to happen in District 1 before she made a decision. She proposed a 15 percent cut to staff in the central office, though it seems very unlikely that this alone would cover a budget gap of this magnitude.

On school safety, Carlsen and Rankin were somewhat similar. Both agreed that students had been clear that more surveillance and policing in schools was not the way forward, and both felt that gun violence education and community lobbying for better gun violence legislation were needed. Carlsen felt that directors could and must do more to meet with community members and parents, especially right after the tragedy at Ingraham.

If voters are looking for an experienced advocate hoping to bring change and improve transparency for parents and students, Carlsen could be a good choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Debbie Carlsen

Challenging Rankin this year is Debbie Carlsen, a consultant, former NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washington Interim Policy Director, and co-founder and executive director of LGTBQ Allyship.

Challenging Rankin this year is Debbie Carlsen, a consultant, former NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washington Interim Policy Director, and co-founder and executive director of LGTBQ Allyship. She serves as advocacy chair of both the Olympic Hills Elementary PTA board and the 46th Democrats as a Co-Policy & Advocacy Chair, as well as fundraising chair for the National Women’s Political Caucus.

As a nonbinary person with a diverse family, Carlsen wants schools to be welcoming to all, especially in a climate of conservatives passing anti-LGTBQ laws. Though she does not have much detail available on her website, Carlsen lists transparency, family engagement, and representation in schools as her top three policy priorities. In her interview with the 36th Legislative District Democrats, she also emphasized robust special education and regaining the confidence of Seattle parents and families.

On the issue of the budget, Carlsen was hesitant to say that closures were inevitable. Closures in the past have been disastrous, she said, and more community meetings would need to happen in District 1 before she made a decision. She proposed a 15 percent cut to staff in the central office, though it seems very unlikely that this alone would cover a budget gap of this magnitude.

On school safety, Carlsen and Rankin were somewhat similar. Both agreed that students had been clear that more surveillance and policing in schools was not the way forward, and both felt that gun violence education and community lobbying for better gun violence legislation were needed. Carlsen felt that directors could and must do more to meet with community members and parents, especially right after the tragedy at Ingraham.

If voters are looking for an experienced advocate hoping to bring change and improve transparency for parents and students, Carlsen could be a good choice.

Debbie Carlsen

Challenging Rankin this year is Debbie Carlsen, a consultant, former NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washington Interim Policy Director, and co-founder and executive director of LGTBQ Allyship.

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Debbie Carlsen

Website Facebook Endorsements
Challenging Rankin this year is Debbie Carlsen, a consultant, former NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washington Interim Policy Director, and co-founder and executive director of LGTBQ Allyship. She serves as advocacy chair of both the Olympic Hills Elementary PTA board and the 46th Democrats as a Co-Policy & Advocacy Chair, as well as fundraising chair for the National Women’s Political Caucus.

As a nonbinary person with a diverse family, Carlsen wants schools to be welcoming to all, especially in a climate of conservatives passing anti-LGTBQ laws. Though she does not have much detail available on her website, Carlsen lists transparency, family engagement, and representation in schools as her top three policy priorities. In her interview with the 36th Legislative District Democrats, she also emphasized robust special education and regaining the confidence of Seattle parents and families.

On the issue of the budget, Carlsen was hesitant to say that closures were inevitable. Closures in the past have been disastrous, she said, and more community meetings would need to happen in District 1 before she made a decision. She proposed a 15 percent cut to staff in the central office, though it seems very unlikely that this alone would cover a budget gap of this magnitude.

On school safety, Carlsen and Rankin were somewhat similar. Both agreed that students had been clear that more surveillance and policing in schools was not the way forward, and both felt that gun violence education and community lobbying for better gun violence legislation were needed. Carlsen felt that directors could and must do more to meet with community members and parents, especially right after the tragedy at Ingraham.

If voters are looking for an experienced advocate hoping to bring change and improve transparency for parents and students, Carlsen could be a good choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Seattle School Board, Director, District #3

Christie Robertson

Website Endorsements
Ph.D. Christie Robertson is running to bring inclusive and effective education standards to the district. When her oldest child was diagnosed with a disability, Robertson decided to become a member of the Seattle Special Education PTSA and has served on its executive board for two years. She also has a Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Behavior.

Like the other two candidates, Robertson is running to bring a renewed sense of accountability, oversight, and engagement to the school board. Because of her experience in special education advocacy, she has focused on promoting "restorative practices" and supporting the Universal Design for Learning initiative, which aims to use scientific insight into how people learn to create better educational outcomes. She wants to see students with disabilities spend more time in general education classrooms, which she believes will help reduce disparate outcomes for those students. Robertson is also aiming to reduce teacher turnover and improve students' mental health.

She has the strongest endorsements of any candidate in the race thus far, including the MLK Labor Council and the sole endorsements of the 46th and 43rd Legislative District Democrats. We recommend Robertson because of her endorsements and specific goals for inclusive teaching for all students.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Christie Robertson

Ph.D. Christie Robertson is running to bring inclusive and effective education standards to the district. When her oldest child was diagnosed with a disability, Robertson decided to become a member of the Seattle Special Education PTSA and has served on its executive board for two years.

Ph.D. Christie Robertson is running to bring inclusive and effective education standards to the district. When her oldest child was diagnosed with a disability, Robertson decided to become a member of the Seattle Special Education PTSA and has served on its executive board for two years. She also has a Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Behavior.

Like the other two candidates, Robertson is running to bring a renewed sense of accountability, oversight, and engagement to the school board. Because of her experience in special education advocacy, she has focused on promoting "restorative practices" and supporting the Universal Design for Learning initiative, which aims to use scientific insight into how people learn to create better educational outcomes. She wants to see students with disabilities spend more time in general education classrooms, which she believes will help reduce disparate outcomes for those students. Robertson is also aiming to reduce teacher turnover and improve students' mental health.

She has the strongest endorsements of any candidate in the race thus far, including the MLK Labor Council and the sole endorsements of the 46th and 43rd Legislative District Democrats. We recommend Robertson because of her endorsements and specific goals for inclusive teaching for all students.

Christie Robertson

Ph.D. Christie Robertson is running to bring inclusive and effective education standards to the district. When her oldest child was diagnosed with a disability, Robertson decided to become a member of the Seattle Special Education PTSA and has served on its executive board for two years.

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Washington Education Association PAC

Other Candidates

Google manager and parent of two Ben Gitenstein describes himself as a frustrated progressive who doesn't have all the answers but is willing to ask hard questions. His website details his concerns with Seattle Public Schools and its board, including budgets and the shooting at Ingraham High that left one student dead. Unfortunately, he does not yet offer potential solutions to these issues as of mid-July other than bringing in new voices, which will naturally happen as there are two retiring incumbents this year.

Gitenstein was the executive director of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance in the 2000s and has volunteered for school plays and fundraisers, but he does not appear to be actively involved in any school leadership positions like the PTA. His recommendation by The Seattle Times was based on what the editorial board describes as his urgency on school issues, "his appetite for real talk," and his distance from anyone who currently works with or in Seattle Public Schools. Based on local interviews, Gitenstein is definitely interested in fiscal oversight and addressing the enrollment drop, and voters looking for an outsider perspective might find a candidate in Gitenstein.

A parent of three Seattle Public Schools kids, independent documentary filmmaker Evan Briggs says she's running to bring meaningful change and big-picture thinking as a director for District 3. She has served as chair of the parent-teacher organization at her children’s elementary school and is currently the Sand Point Elementary PTA representative on the Magnuson Park Advisory Committee.

Briggs wants to see more mental health professionals in schools as well as stronger relationships with service organizations in the community. She also states that the board should have clearer communication with parents and allow insight and access into the budget for families. On the budget, Briggs has stated that she will look to pare down administrative and consulting contracts that don't affect student performance. She's endorsed by retiring school board director Chandra Hampson, progressive King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, and Seattle School Board President Brandon Hersey.

We agree with Briggs' priorities, though we hope to see more detail from her campaign if she moves to the general election.

Ben Gitenstein

Google manager and parent of two Ben Gitenstein describes himself as a frustrated progressive who doesn't have all the answers but is willing to ask hard questions.

Seattle School Board, Director, District #6

Gina Topp

Website Endorsements
Gina Topp is running for the open seat vacated by incumbent Leslie Harris, who isn't running for re-election. She is the chief legal counsel and policy advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine and served on the boards of the 34th Legislative District Democrats and the Seattle Sports Complex Foundation.

Like other candidates for school board this year, Topp's platform listed on her website is somewhat vague. If elected, she aims to cultivate a safe and welcoming environment for all students, empower educators, and engage parents. In her interview with The Seattle Times, Topp stated that her plan for the budget crisis is to advocate for more money from the Legislature - an idea that incumbent Liza Rankin has said was unlikely to succeed because of the recent increase in funding already coming from the state.

Despite this, we believe that Topp has the strongest experience of the available candidates for this seat. She has two opponents on the primary ballot. Rosie McCarter describes herself as a neurodivergent, two-spirit mom of three, and a proud Cherokee and Joseph's band of Nez Perce. She states that as a parent ambassador and peer educator, she wants to tackle the district's budget crisis without making cuts to vital programs, though she does not say where cuts would be made or where additional revenue will come from. She also states that all students, regardless of income, should receive free meals, that systemic racism in schools must be addressed, and that the highly capable program needs fixes. However, she offers no additional information on her website about how she would accomplish this.

The other candidate is Maryanne Wood, who does not appear to have education advocacy experience. She states that her childhood on a dairy farm made her value hard work, and she has six grandchildren in the district. Wood's top message is "no to school closures," and she also says that she will "dial back the mega schools that are already planned at Alki, Rogers, and Montlake."

Topp's experience and progressive endorsements make her the best choice in District 1 for Seattle School Board Director.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Gina Topp

Gina Topp is running for the open seat vacated by incumbent Leslie Harris, who isn't running for re-election.

Gina Topp is running for the open seat vacated by incumbent Leslie Harris, who isn't running for re-election. She is the chief legal counsel and policy advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine and served on the boards of the 34th Legislative District Democrats and the Seattle Sports Complex Foundation.

Like other candidates for school board this year, Topp's platform listed on her website is somewhat vague. If elected, she aims to cultivate a safe and welcoming environment for all students, empower educators, and engage parents. In her interview with The Seattle Times, Topp stated that her plan for the budget crisis is to advocate for more money from the Legislature - an idea that incumbent Liza Rankin has said was unlikely to succeed because of the recent increase in funding already coming from the state.

Despite this, we believe that Topp has the strongest experience of the available candidates for this seat. She has two opponents on the primary ballot. Rosie McCarter describes herself as a neurodivergent, two-spirit mom of three, and a proud Cherokee and Joseph's band of Nez Perce. She states that as a parent ambassador and peer educator, she wants to tackle the district's budget crisis without making cuts to vital programs, though she does not say where cuts would be made or where additional revenue will come from. She also states that all students, regardless of income, should receive free meals, that systemic racism in schools must be addressed, and that the highly capable program needs fixes. However, she offers no additional information on her website about how she would accomplish this.

The other candidate is Maryanne Wood, who does not appear to have education advocacy experience. She states that her childhood on a dairy farm made her value hard work, and she has six grandchildren in the district. Wood's top message is "no to school closures," and she also says that she will "dial back the mega schools that are already planned at Alki, Rogers, and Montlake."

Topp's experience and progressive endorsements make her the best choice in District 1 for Seattle School Board Director.

Gina Topp

Gina Topp is running for the open seat vacated by incumbent Leslie Harris, who isn't running for re-election.

Endorsed By: OneAmerica Votes, The Stranger, Washington Education Association PAC, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Gina Topp

Website Endorsements
Gina Topp is running for the open seat vacated by incumbent Leslie Harris, who isn't running for re-election. She is the chief legal counsel and policy advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine and served on the boards of the 34th Legislative District Democrats and the Seattle Sports Complex Foundation.

Like other candidates for school board this year, Topp's platform listed on her website is somewhat vague. If elected, she aims to cultivate a safe and welcoming environment for all students, empower educators, and engage parents. In her interview with The Seattle Times, Topp stated that her plan for the budget crisis is to advocate for more money from the Legislature - an idea that incumbent Liza Rankin has said was unlikely to succeed because of the recent increase in funding already coming from the state.

Despite this, we believe that Topp has the strongest experience of the available candidates for this seat. She has two opponents on the primary ballot. Rosie McCarter describes herself as a neurodivergent, two-spirit mom of three, and a proud Cherokee and Joseph's band of Nez Perce. She states that as a parent ambassador and peer educator, she wants to tackle the district's budget crisis without making cuts to vital programs, though she does not say where cuts would be made or where additional revenue will come from. She also states that all students, regardless of income, should receive free meals, that systemic racism in schools must be addressed, and that the highly capable program needs fixes. However, she offers no additional information on her website about how she would accomplish this.

The other candidate is Maryanne Wood, who does not appear to have education advocacy experience. She states that her childhood on a dairy farm made her value hard work, and she has six grandchildren in the district. Wood's top message is "no to school closures," and she also says that she will "dial back the mega schools that are already planned at Alki, Rogers, and Montlake."

Topp's experience and progressive endorsements make her the best choice in District 1 for Seattle School Board Director.

Last updated: 2023-07-17

Endorsed By: OneAmerica Votes, The Stranger, Washington Education Association PAC, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

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